Daily Zonal Mean Bromine Monoxide Measurements From Aura Satellite

Near-global daily zonal mean measurements of atmospheric bromine monoxide (BrO) derived from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) 640 GHz radiometer. Data coverage spans from August 2, 2005 to the present, with spatial resolution at 10-degree latitude intervals between -85 and 85 degrees. The dataset is produced by the Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) as part of the MLS Level 3 data products.

Use Cases

• Analyzing BrO concentration trends over time using the daily average data for specific latitude bands and pressure levels.
• Correlating BrO levels with solar zenith angle and local solar time data to study diurnal photochemical effects.
• Mapping the vertical distribution of BrO across pressure levels between 10 and 4.64 hPa to understand stratospheric profiles.
• Comparing ascending and descending orbit data groups to examine potential observational biases or longitudinal variations.
• Validating atmospheric chemistry models by comparing simulated BrO against the measured average and error (precision) fields.

Strengths

• Continuous daily data record starting August 2, 2005, providing long-term trend analysis.
• Near-global spatial coverage from -85 to 85 degrees latitude with consistent 10-degree zonal bands.
• Data includes quantified error (precision) estimates for each measurement point.
• Structured according to Climate and Forecast (CF) metadata conventions within netCDF4 files.

Limitations

• Useful vertical range is restricted to between 10 and 4.64 hPa, limiting tropospheric or upper stratospheric analysis.
• Spatial resolution is coarse (10-degree latitude bands), which may obscure finer regional gradients.
• Data quality and interpretation require consulting specific guideline documents, adding complexity for new users.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

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

Time Range

August 2,  2005 to current.

Freshness

Data coverage is stated to be from August 2005 to current, but specific update frequency is not provided.

Geography

Near-global, -85 degrees to 85 degrees latitude.