MLS/Aura Near-Real-Time Sulfur Dioxide Profiles from Satellite

ML2SO2_NRT is the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder Near-Real-Time product for sulfur dioxide (SO2) profiles, produced by NASA. The data are available within 3 hours of observation, cover near-global latitudes (-82 to +82 degrees), and provide vertical profiles from 215 to 10 hPa. The most recent 7 days of data are available online.

Use Cases

• Monitoring volcanic eruptions based on near-real-time SO2 profile data.
• Tracking industrial pollution plumes based on global satellite observations.
• Assimilating near-real-time atmospheric chemistry data into weather models based on the 3-hour latency.
• Studying SO2 distribution in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere based on vertical coverage from 215 to 10 hPa.

Strengths

• Data are typically available within 3 hours of observation, enabling near-real-time analysis.
• Provides near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude.
• Vertical profiles cover the atmospheric pressure range from 215 to 10 hPa.

Limitations

• The NRT algorithm uses a simplified model and is described as less accurate than standard MLS products.
• Data require screening according to user guides, suggesting potential quality flags.
• Row count and sample data are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Derived from the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument measurements at 190 and 240 GHz.

Time Range

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

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13; data from the most recent 7 days are available.

Geography

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