Monthly Satellite Observations of Hypochlorous Acid in the Stratosphere

MLS/Aura Level 3 Monthly Binned Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Mixing Ratio data provides near-global atmospheric measurements from the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder satellite. The dataset contains monthly binned averages, minima, maxima, and standard deviations for HOCl on assorted vertical grids. It is produced by the GES DISC and derived from radiances measured by the 640 GHz radiometer.

Use Cases

• Analyze lat-lon map vs pressure groups to study the global spatial distribution of HOCl mixing ratios.
• Use lat vs pressure zonal mean groups to examine hemispheric and seasonal variations in HOCl concentration.
• Compare ascending and descending orbit profile groups to investigate diurnal cycles of HOCl in the stratosphere.
• Leverage equivalent latitude vs potential temperature zonal mean groups for polar vortex studies and dynamics.
• Employ daytime (SZA < 90) and nighttime (SZA > 110) profile groups to assess photochemical effects on HOCl.

Strengths

• Near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.
• Data is binned on multiple vertical grids including pressure and potential temperature.
• Each file contains statistical summaries including average, min, max, std dev, and rms for multiple profile categories.

Limitations

• The recommended useful vertical range is limited from 10 to 2.15 hPa.
• Specific row counts, file sizes, and total temporal coverage are not provided.
• Data quality and interpretation require consulting the EOS MLS Level 2 Version 5 Quality Document.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

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

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Near-global, from -82 to +82 degrees latitude at 4° lat by 5° lon resolution.