Monthly Binned Sulfur Dioxide Mixing Ratios from Aura MLS Satellite

MLS/Aura Level 3 data provides monthly binned sulfur dioxide (SO2) mixing ratios derived from 240 GHz radiometer measurements. Spatial coverage is near-global from -82 to +82 degrees latitude at a 4x5 degree resolution, with a useful vertical range from 215 to 10 hPa. The dataset is produced by the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) using the Microwave Limb Sounder on the Aura satellite.

Use Cases

• Analyze lat-lon map vs pressure group data to track global SO2 plume dispersion from volcanic eruptions.
• Use lat vs pressure zonal mean data to study seasonal and hemispheric variations in stratospheric SO2.
• Compare min, max, and std dev fields within the vortex average vs theta group to assess polar vortex chemical composition.
• Employ the equivalent lat vs theta zonal mean data for model validation of atmospheric dynamics and tracer transport.

Strengths

• Near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.
• Data includes multiple statistical fields per grid: average, min, max, standard deviation, and rms.
• Vertical resolution is approximately 3 km within the recommended 215 to 10 hPa range.

Limitations

• Spatial resolution is coarse at 4 degrees latitude by 5 degrees longitude.
• The data product is binned monthly, limiting analysis of sub-monthly events.
• Useful vertical range is confined to the upper troposphere and stratosphere (215-10 hPa).

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Derived from radiances measured by the 240 GHz radiometer on the EOS Aura satellite's Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS).

Time Range

null

Freshness

null

Geography

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