TOLNet LaRC Data: Mobile Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Measurements

NASA Langley Research Center's mobile lidar system collects high spatio-temporal measurements of tropospheric ozone as part of the TOLNet network, which has operated since 2011. The data supports studies of air quality, atmospheric modeling, and satellite validation across North America. Tropospheric ozone is monitored for its harmful effects on human health, vegetation, and its role as a greenhouse gas.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-based ozone observations using high-resolution vertical profiles.
• Studying urban air quality and pollution events with mobile, campaign-based measurements.
• Improving atmospheric chemistry and transport models with spatio-temporal ozone data.
• Assessing the impact of tropospheric ozone on public health and climate.

Strengths

• Data collection is ongoing, providing a continuous record.
• Part of a seven-instrument interagency network (NASA, NOAA, EPA) established in 2011, indicating institutional support.
• Provides high spatio-temporal measurements, suggesting fine-grained temporal and vertical resolution.

Limitations

• Column names and specific data structure are unknown, limiting immediate usability.
• Conflicting metadata: one platform lists a license ('other-license-specified') while another lists 'None'.
• No dataset size or row count information is provided.

Provenance

Source

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) via the Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet).

Collection Method

Collected by the mobile Langley Mobile Ozone Lidar (LMOL), a Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) system.

Time Range

Ongoing collection; network operational since 2011.

Freshness

Last updated on one platform: 2026-04-09.

Geography

Mobile system deployed at remote locations for field campaigns across North America.