Daily Zonal Methyl Chloride Mixing Ratios from Aura MLS Satellite

August 2004 to present daily binned measurements of methyl chloride (CH3Cl) mixing ratios from the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS). Data is provided on zonal and vertical grids with near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude. The product is archived by the NASA GES DISC and derived from radiances measured by the 640 GHz radiometer.

Use Cases

• Analyze lat vs pressure zonal mean fields to map the global distribution and seasonal cycle of methyl chloride.
• Study vertical transport using equivalent latitude vs potential temperature zonal mean groups to trace stratospheric air masses.
• Calculate trends in CH3Cl concentration from the time-series of daily binned averages, minimums, maximums, and standard deviations.
• Investigate polar vortex chemistry using the vortex average vs potential temperature data group.

Strengths

• Continuous daily data coverage from August 2, 2004, to the present.
• Near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude at 4-degree increments.
• Provides multiple statistical views per measurement (average, min, max, std dev, rms) across four distinct group objects.

Limitations

• Vertical range is limited to between 147 and 4.64 hPa, excluding the troposphere and higher stratosphere.
• Spatial coverage is not fully global, missing polar regions above 82 degrees latitude.
• Data quality and interpretation require consulting the specific EOS MLS Level 2 Version 4 Quality Document.

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) satellite.

Time Range

August 2, 2004 to present.

Freshness

Updated to current; data coverage is ongoing.

Geography

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