We examined the deep UV 229 nm photochemistry of NaNO3 in solution and in the solid state. In aqueous solution excitation within the deep UV NO3- strong pi -> pi* transition causes the photochemical reaction NO3- -> NO2- + O center dot. We used UV resonance Raman spectroscopy to examine the photon dose dependence of the NO2- band intensities and measure a photochemical quantum yield of 0.04 at pH 6.5. We also examined the response of solid NaNO3 samples to 229 nm excitation and also observe formation of NO2-. The quantum yield is much smaller at similar to 10(-8). The solid state NaNO3 photochemistry phenomena appear complex by showing a significant dependence on the UV excitation flux and dose. At low flux/dose conditions NO2- resonance Raman bands appear, accompanied by perturbed NO3- bands, indicating stress in the NaNO3 lattice. Higher flux/dose conditions show less lattice perturbation but SEM shows surface eruptions that alleviate the stress induced by the photochemistry. Higher flux/dose measurements cause cratering and destruction of the NaNO3 surface as the surface layers are converted to NO2-. Modest laser excitation UV beams excavate surface layers in the solid NaNO3 samples. At the lowest incident fluxes a pressure buildup competes with effusion to reach a steady state giving rise to perturbed NO3- bands. Increased fluxes result in pressures that cause the sample to erupt, relieving the pressure.