Initial studies test and evaluate the model in comparison with available observations.
Initial research studies with the model focus primarily on the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere. Improved understanding of the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere is essential for estimating the lifetimes of these compounds correctly and to predict the fate of their degradation products in the troposphere. The sensitivity of model calculated tropical oxidant concentrations to perturbations, including biomass burning, will be investigated. The calculated oxidant field will be tested with an off-line simulation of CH3CCl3 and compared with observations. We expect as a result of this project to reduce the uncertainties in calculating the tropospheric lifetimes of such replacement compounds and to provide an improved understanding of the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere and the changes that may be occurring to it.