Model Analysis of the Spatial Distribution and Temporal Trends of Nitrous OxideSources and Sinks

摘要

Nitrous oxide (N2O), an atmospheric trace gas that contributes to both greenhousewarning and stratosphere ozone depletion, is increasing at an annual rate of about 0.25%/yr. By use of a global model of the changing terrestrial nitrogen cycle, the timing and magnitude of this increase are shown to be consistent with enchanced microbial N2O production due to fertilizer, land clearing, livestock manure, and human sewage. Fertilizer appears to be a particularly important source. Increasing emissions from additional anthropogenic N2O sources, including fossil fuel combustion and nylon production are also shown to coincide with and contribute to N2O's annual atmospheric increase. Collectively, these industrial, combustion-related, and enhanced microbial N2O emissions add up to a total anthropogenic source of about 5 Tg N/yr. (Copyright (c) Cynthia Nevison, l994.)