TES/Aura L2 O3 Limb Special Observation V006: Atmospheric Ozone Profiles

NASA's Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer, launched July 15, 2004 aboard the Aura satellite, collected Level 2 data on atmospheric species via a retrieval process comparing observed infrared spectra to radiative transfer models. This dataset provides vertical profile estimates for ozone from limb-mode observations, which are pointed at off-nadir angles into the atmosphere, along with geolocation, quality flags, and estimated errors. Data collection is complete, with global surveys consisting of up to 16 consecutive orbits, yielding approximately 3,200 retrievals per two-day cycle.

Use Cases

• Analyzing vertical ozone distribution in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere based on limb observation profiles.
• Validating global climate models using retrieved species volume mixing ratios (VMRs) and associated error estimates.
• Studying atmospheric dynamics by correlating ozone profiles with co-retrieved temperature and cloud property data.
• Investigating long-term changes in atmospheric composition using the complete time series from the concluded mission.

Strengths

• Data originates from a well-documented NASA satellite instrument with a specific launch date (July 15, 2004) and concluded mission.
• Profiles are derived from a sophisticated retrieval process using radiative transfer modeling, providing estimated errors and vertical resolution.
• The dataset represents a global survey design with up to 16 consecutive orbits, offering systematic spatial coverage.

Limitations

• Specific column names and dataset size (rows, file size) are not provided in any source, limiting precise technical assessment.
• The 'last updated' metadata field shows a future date (2026-04 09), indicating a potential metadata conflict or error.
• Documentation is descriptive but lacks concrete examples of data structure or access to the actual HDF-EOS files.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing via the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) aboard the Aura satellite, using infrared spectral radiance and retrieval algorithms.

Time Range

From launch (July 15, 2004) until mission completion; exact end date not specified.

Freshness

2026-04-09 22:39:43.256672 (datagov); however, data collection for the TES instrument is stated as complete.

Geography

Global, based on satellite orbits.