Daily Zonal Mean Hydroperoxy Radical Measurements from Aura MLS Satellite

August 2005 to present daily zonal mean measurements of the hydroperoxy radical (HO2) derived from the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS). Data provides near-global coverage from -85 to 85 degrees latitude at 10-degree intervals, with a useful vertical range between 21.5 and 0.0464 hPa. The product is generated by NASA's Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) as part of the MLS/Aura mission.

Use Cases

• Analyzing diurnal variations in HO2 concentrations by comparing the separate daytime and nighttime zonal means objects.
• Investigating latitudinal gradients of HO2 by plotting the average values across the 10-degree latitude bands.
• Assessing retrieval uncertainty for model assimilation using the error (precision) field provided for each latitude and pressure level.
• Studying photochemical influences on HO2 by correlating concentrations with the solar zenith angle data.
• Examining vertical profiles of atmospheric oxidants using the pressure level data spanning from 21.5 to 0.0464 hPa.

Strengths

• Long-term record spanning from August 2005 to the present, enabling trend analysis.
• Near-global spatial coverage from -85 to 85 degrees latitude at a 10-degree resolution.
• Separate daytime and nighttime data objects facilitate diurnal cycle studies.
• Data follows Climate and Forecast (CF) metadata conventions, enhancing interoperability.

Limitations

• Vertical resolution is limited to about 5 km, which may not resolve fine-scale atmospheric layers.
• Spatial granularity is coarse, with data averaged into 10-degree latitude zonal bands.
• The recommended useful vertical range is constrained between 21.5 to 0.0464 hPa, excluding other altitudes.

Provenance

Source

NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) for the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) mission.

Collection Method

Derived from radiances measured by the 640 GHz radiometer on the MLS instrument, processed into daily zonal averages.

Time Range

August 2, 2005 to present.

Freshness

Data coverage is updated to current; however, specific update frequency is not stated.

Geography

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