Hydrogen oxide photochemistry in the northern Canadian spring time boundary layer

[1] Measurements of OH and HO2 concentrations were made at the surface of the eastern coast of the Hudson Bay during the COBRA campaign from February 18th to March 8th 2008. Diurnally averaged OH and HO2 concentrations peaked at 1.16 (±1.02) × 106 molecule cm−3 and 1.42 (±0.64) × 108 molecule cm−3 respectively. A box-model, constrained to supporting observations, is used to access the radical budget in this cold, northerly environment. Formaldehyde (HCHO) photolysis is found to be the dominant daytime radical source, providing 74% of the observed HOx. A considerable (>80% of the total source) surface HCHO source is required to reconcile the model and observed HCHO concentrations. Model simulations also suggest significant roles for the heterogeneous loss of HO2 and for halogen chemistry in the cycling of HO2 to OH. The formation of HO2NO2 is identified as an important radical reservoir, reducing HOx concentrations during the day and enhancing them at night. This impacts both local oxidizing capacity and reduces local ozone production by approximately 30%. The sensitivity of the local chemistry to uncertainties in these processes is explored. The majority of these processes are not currently represented in global chemistry models.