ML2O3_NRT: Near-Real-Time Ozone Profiles from Aura Satellite

MLS/Aura Near-Real-Time L2 Ozone (O3) Mixing Ratio profiles are available within 3 hours of observation. The data provides near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude and vertical coverage from 261 to 0.1 hPa, with profiles spaced roughly 165 km along the orbit track. This product is generated by NASA using a simplified algorithm for speed, making it scientifically useful when screened according to provided guidelines.

Use Cases

• Monitoring near-real-time stratospheric ozone levels based on the 3-hour latency and global coverage.
• Analyzing longitudinal ozone distribution patterns based on the 1.5-degree profile spacing along satellite tracks.
• Studying vertical ozone structure from 261 to 0.1 hPa pressure levels mentioned in the description.
• Assimilating ozone data for atmospheric models based on the frequent data updates (roughly 15 orbits per day).

Strengths

• Data latency of approximately 3 hours from observation enables near-real-time analysis.
• Spatial coverage is near-global, spanning from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.
• Vertical coverage spans a wide pressure range from 261 to 0.1 hPa.

Limitations

• The Near-Real-Time algorithm uses a simplified model and is stated to be less accurate than the standard MLS products.
• Data requires specific screening per user guides, indicating potential quality issues if not properly handled.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Derived from the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument measurements in the 240 GHz region.

Time Range

Near-real-time, with the most recent 7 days available online.

Freshness

The most recent 7 days of data are available online, with a last metadata update recorded on 2026-03 13.

Geography

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