  This paper formulates the cosmic-ray(CR)-driven electron-induced reaction
(CRE) mechanism to provide a quantitative understanding of global ozone
depletion. Based on a proposed electrostatic bonding mechanism for
charged-induced adsorption of molecules on surfaces and on the measured
dissociative electron transfer (DET) cross sections of ozone depletion
substances (ODSs) adsorbed on ice, an analytical equation is derived to give
atmospheric chlorine atom concentration: $$[Cl] = \sum_i k^i \theta_{ODS}^i
\Phi_e^2,$$ where $\Phi_e$ is the CR-produced prehydrated electron
($e_{pre}^-$) flux on atmospheric particle surfaces, $\theta_{ODS}^i$ is the
surface coverage of an ODS, and $k^i$ is the ODS's effective DET coefficient
comprising the DET cross section, lifetimes of surface-trapped $e_{pre}^-$ and
Cl$^-$, and particle surface area density. With concentrations of ODSs as the
sole variable, our calculated results of time-series ozone depletion rates in
global regions in the 1960s, 1980s and 2000s show generally good agreement with
observations, particularly with ground-based ozonesonde data and
satellite-measured data over Antarctica and with satellite data in the tropics
in a narrow altitude band at 13-20 km. Good agreements with satellite data in
the Arctic and midlatitudes are also found. A new insight into the
denitrification effect on ozone loss is given quantitatively. But this equation
overestimates tropospheric ozone loss at northern midlatitudes and the Arctic,
likely due to increased ozone production by the halogen chemistry in polluted
regions. Finally, ozone maps from ozonesonde data clearly reveal the scope of
the tropical ozone hole. The results render confidence in applying the CRE
equation to achieve a quantitative understanding of global ozone depletion.
