Daily Binned Chlorine Monoxide Mixing Ratios from Aura MLS Satellite

MLS/Aura satellite data provides daily binned chlorine monoxide (ClO) mixing ratios on zonal and vertical grids. Measurements from the 640 GHz radiometer cover near-global latitudes (-82 to +82 degrees) starting August 2, 2004. This Version 4.2 product is archived by NASA's GES DISC.

Use Cases

• Analyze zonal mean ClO mixing ratios across 4-degree latitude increments to study global atmospheric chemistry.
• Investigate ClO profiles across the 147 to 1.0 hPa pressure range to understand vertical distribution.
• Compare daytime (SZA < 90) and nighttime (SZA > 110) profiles to examine diurnal variations in chlorine monoxide.
• Use equivalent latitude vs potential temperature grids to analyze polar vortex dynamics and ozone hole formation.
• Leverage statistical fields (average, min, max, std dev, rms) within each data group for trend analysis and uncertainty quantification.

Strengths

• Data coverage spans from August 2, 2004 to present, providing a long-term record.
• Near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.
• Data is subdivided into groups for ascending/descending orbits and day/night profiles, enabling detailed analysis.

Limitations

• The recommended useful vertical range is limited to between 147 and 1.0 hPa.
• Vertical resolution varies between 3 and 4.5 km, which may be coarse for some fine-scale analyses.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

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

Time Range

August 2, 2004 to current.

Freshness

Data coverage is stated to be current, but specific last update date is unknown.

Geography

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