Atmospheric air samples from aboard supply aircrafts operating between Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Sound investigating the atmospheric chemistry and reactions between carbon monoxide, methane and ozone

Large whole air samples collected from a compressor system aboard the supply aircrafts operating between Christchurch and McMurdo incorporated measurements of ozone. In association with concentration and isotopic measurements of methane and carbon monoxide, the importance of chlorine chemistry with these trace gases was investigated. An apparent relationship was identified between the reactive chlorine chemistry associated with the Antarctic ozone hole and the occurrence of anomalous carbon monoxide isotopic data, indicating large isotopic fractionation in the reaction of methane and chlorine. Air sampling from aircrafts was collected in August (before the ozone chemistry commenced), October (when the ozone hole is at its maximum size), November (when the hole is collapsing) and in February (when methane and carbon monoxide are at a minima).