Daily Binned Chlorine Monoxide Mixing Ratios from Aura Satellite

MLS/Aura satellite data provides daily binned chlorine monoxide (ClO) mixing ratios, a key stratospheric ozone-depleting substance, from August 2005 to the present. The NASA Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument measures radiances primarily at 640 GHz to derive these profiles. Data is processed and archived by the GES DISC.

Use Cases

• Analyze seasonal and long-term trends in ClO mixing ratios within the 147 to 1.0 hPa pressure range to study ozone depletion dynamics.
• Compare daytime (SZA < 90) and nighttime (SZA > 110) ClO profiles from the subdivided data groups to investigate photochemical processes.
• Map near-global (-82 to +82 degrees latitude) ClO distribution using the lat-lon map vs pressure group data at 4°x5° resolution.
• Calculate zonal mean ClO concentrations using the lat vs pressure zonal mean group for model intercomparison studies.
• Investigate polar vortex chemistry using the vortex average vs potential temperature data group.

Strengths

• Continuous daily data coverage from August 2, 2005, to the present.
• Near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.
• Data is subdivided into specific orbit and solar illumination profiles (ascending, descending, daytime, nighttime).
• Each data group includes statistical measures (average, min, max, std dev, rms) for analysis.

Limitations

• Useful vertical range is limited to between 147 and 1.0 hPa, excluding higher and lower atmospheric layers.
• Vertical resolution varies between 3 and 4.5 km, which may be coarse for some fine-scale atmospheric studies.
• Spatial resolution of 4 degrees latitude by 5 degrees longitude may not resolve regional-scale features.

Provenance

Source

NASA Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument, processed by GES DISC.

Collection Method

Derived from radiances measured primarily by the 640 GHz radiometer, binned daily on assorted vertical grids.

Time Range

August 2, 2005 to current.

Freshness

Data coverage is to current, suggesting ongoing updates.

Geography

Near-global, -82 to +82 degrees latitude.