Daily Sulfur Dioxide Measurements from Aura Satellite on Zonal Grids

MLS/Aura Level 3 data provides daily binned sulfur dioxide (SO2) mixing ratios from 2004 to present, processed by the NASA GES DISC. The dataset offers near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude at 4-degree increments. Measurements are derived from radiances captured by the Microwave Limb Sounder's 240 GHz radiometer.

Use Cases

• Analyze lat vs pressure zonal mean SO2 averages to track stratospheric transport and volcanic plume dispersion.
• Model SO2 variability using the lat vs potential temperature zonal mean group's standard deviation and RMS data fields.
• Investigate polar vortex dynamics by comparing equivalent latitude vs potential temperature zonal mean data with vortex average data.
• Correlate seasonal SO2 levels with other atmospheric parameters using the provided min, max, and geolocation fields across the 215 to 10 hPa vertical range.

Strengths

• Near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.
• Vertical resolution of about 3 km across the recommended 215 to 10 hPa pressure range.
• Data files contain one year of observations, structured for temporal analysis.
• Provides multiple statistical views (average, min, max, std dev, rms) across four distinct group objects.

Limitations

• Specific row count, sample size, and data volume per file are unknown.
• Data is binned onto coarse 4-degree latitude zonal grids, limiting fine-scale spatial analysis.
• Useful vertical range is constrained to 215-10 hPa, excluding near-surface tropospheric measurements.

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) 240 GHz radiometer and processed to Level 3 daily binned products.

Time Range

Data files contain one year of data; mission provides data from 2004 onward.

Freshness

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Geography

Near-global, -82 to +82 degrees latitude at 4-degree zonal increments.