Daily Zonal Mean Bromine Monoxide Levels from Aura Satellite

Near-global daily zonal mean measurements of bromine monoxide (BrO) derived from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) 640 GHz radiometer. Data coverage spans from August 2, 2004 to the present, with spatial resolution at 10-degree latitude bands from -85 to 85 degrees. The data is produced by the MLS instrument team and hosted by the NASA GES DISC.

Use Cases

• Analyzing BrO concentration trends over time using the daily average data for specific latitude bands.
• Modeling the relationship between BrO levels and solar zenith angle or local solar time columns across pressure levels.
• Correlating BrO zonal means with other atmospheric trace gases to study halogen chemistry in the stratosphere.
• Investigating spatial gradients in bromine monoxide by comparing ascending and descending orbit data groups across latitudes.
• Assessing retrieval precision for BrO measurements using the error column data provided for each pressure level.

Strengths

• Continuous daily data record from August 2004 to present.
• Near-global spatial coverage from -85 to 85 degrees latitude.
• Data includes average, error, solar zenith angle, and local solar time for each latitude and pressure level.
• Files follow Climate and Forecast (CF) metadata conventions for standardization.

Limitations

• Vertical range is limited to the recommended useful range between 10 and 4.64 hPa.
• Data is aggregated to zonal means, losing finer spatial resolution within latitude bands.
• Requires specialized knowledge of MLS retrieval guidelines for accurate interpretation.

Provenance

Source

NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC).

Collection Method

Derived from radiances measured by the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) 640 GHz radiometer.

Time Range

August 2, 2004 to current.

Freshness

Data coverage is updated to current, indicating ongoing collection.

Geography

Near-global, -85 degrees to 85 degrees latitude, spaced every 10 degrees.