Chemistry of Atmospheres: An Introduction to the Chemistry of the Atmospheres of Earth, the Planets, and Their Satellites

Research activity in atmospheric chemistry has continued to accelerate in recent years, and there is now heightened public awareness of the environmental issues in which it plays a part. This book looks at the new insights and interpretations afforded by the recent advances, and places in context these developments. Like its highly successful predecessor, this new edition lays down the principles of atmospheric chemistry and provides the necessary background for more detailed study. New developments are covered, including the startling discovery of the "Antartic ozone hole", and the rapid changes in the composition of the Earth's atmosphere, apparently a result of man's activities. The exciting information gathered by the Voyager 2 mission, which gave new insights into the atmosphere of planets other than our own, is also included. This book does not attempt to suggest answers to the environmental problems facing us, but it lays the foundation for the study of atmospheric chemistry on which rational decisions will need to be based.