The MAX-DOAS network in Mexico City to measure atmospheric pollutants

Atmósfera ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Josué Arellano Hernández ◽  
Arne Krüeger ◽  
Claudia Inés Rivera Cárdenas ◽  
Wolfgang Stremme ◽  
Martina Michaela Friedrich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Optical Absorption ◽  
Mexico City ◽  
Temporal Variability ◽  
Visible Region ◽  
Atmospheric Pollutants ◽  
Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Satellite Validation ◽  
Uv Visible ◽  
And Performance

An instrument based on the Multi Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) technique was designed and constructed to measure scattered sunlight in the UV-visible region at different elevation angles. Slant column densities (SCDs) of specific gas absorbers such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde (HCHO) are derived from the measured spectra. In this contribution, the technical characteristics and performance of the instruments, their deployment in a newly formed observational network within the metropolitan area of Mexico City, and some results of the retrieved NO2 and HCHO SCDs are presented. These measurements provide more insight on the vertical and spatial distribution of these key atmospheric pollutants and their temporal variability, which also serve as a basis for present and future satellite validation studies.

scholarly journals Averaging kernels for DOAS total-column satellite retrievals

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 895-910
Author(s):  
H. J. Eskes ◽  
K. F. Boersma
Keyword(s):  
Optical Absorption ◽  
Trace Gases ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Systematic Errors ◽  
Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Satellite Validation ◽  
Satellite Retrievals ◽  
Uv Visible ◽  
Total Column

Abstract. The Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) method is used extensively to retrieve total column amounts of trace gases based on UV-visible measurements of satellite spectrometers, such as ERS-2 GOME. In practice the sensitivity of the instrument to the tracer density is strongly height dependent, especially in the troposphere. The resulting tracer profile dependence may introduce large systematic errors in the retrieved columns that are difficult to quantify without proper additional information, as provided by the averaging kernel (AK). In this paper we generalise the AK concept to total column retrievals, and derive an explicit expression for the DOAS AK. It is shown that the additional AK information corrects for the a priori dependence of the retrieval. The availability of averaging kernel information as part of the total column retrieval product is essential for the interpretation of the observations, and for applications like chemical data assimilation and detailed satellite validation studies.

scholarly journals Intercomparison of NO<sub>2</sub>, O<sub>4</sub>, O<sub>3</sub> and HCHO slant column measurements by MAX-DOAS and zenith-sky UV–visible spectrometers during CINDI-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2169-2208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Kreher ◽  
Michel Van Roozendael ◽  
Francois Hendrick ◽  
Arnoud Apituley ◽  
Ermioni Dimitropoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Nitrogen Dioxide ◽  
European Space Agency ◽  
Visible Region ◽  
Atmospheric Pollutants ◽  
Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Systematic Bias ◽  
Measurement Protocol ◽  
Data Products

Abstract. In September 2016, 36 spectrometers from 24 institutes measured a number of key atmospheric pollutants for a period of 17 d during the Second Cabauw Intercomparison campaign for Nitrogen Dioxide measuring Instruments (CINDI-2) that took place at Cabauw, the Netherlands (51.97∘ N, 4.93∘ E). We report on the outcome of the formal semi-blind intercomparison exercise, which was held under the umbrella of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) and the European Space Agency (ESA). The three major goals of CINDI-2 were (1) to characterise and better understand the differences between a large number of multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) and zenith-sky DOAS instruments and analysis methods, (2) to define a robust methodology for performance assessment of all participating instruments, and (3) to contribute to a harmonisation of the measurement settings and retrieval methods. This, in turn, creates the capability to produce consistent high-quality ground-based data sets, which are an essential requirement to generate reliable long-term measurement time series suitable for trend analysis and satellite data validation. The data products investigated during the semi-blind intercomparison are slant columns of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the oxygen collision complex (O4) and ozone (O3) measured in the UV and visible wavelength region, formaldehyde (HCHO) in the UV spectral region, and NO2 in an additional (smaller) wavelength range in the visible region. The campaign design and implementation processes are discussed in detail including the measurement protocol, calibration procedures and slant column retrieval settings. Strong emphasis was put on the careful alignment and synchronisation of the measurement systems, resulting in a unique set of measurements made under highly comparable air mass conditions. The CINDI-2 data sets were investigated using a regression analysis of the slant columns measured by each instrument and for each of the target data products. The slope and intercept of the regression analysis respectively quantify the mean systematic bias and offset of the individual data sets against the selected reference (which is obtained from the median of either all data sets or a subset), and the rms error provides an estimate of the measurement noise or dispersion. These three criteria are examined and for each of the parameters and each of the data products, performance thresholds are set and applied to all the measurements. The approach presented here has been developed based on heritage from previous intercomparison exercises. It introduces a quantitative assessment of the consistency between all the participating instruments for the MAX-DOAS and zenith-sky DOAS techniques.

scholarly journals Formaldehyde total column densities over Mexico City: comparison between multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy and solar-absorption Fourier transform infrared measurements

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 595-613
Author(s):  
Claudia Rivera Cárdenas ◽  
Cesar Guarín ◽  
Wolfgang Stremme ◽  
Martina M. Friedrich ◽  
Alejandro Bezanilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Optical Absorption ◽  
Mexico City ◽  
Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Fourier Transform Infrared ◽  
Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Urban Site ◽  
Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Solar Absorption ◽  
Total Column

Abstract. Formaldehyde (HCHO) total column densities over the Mexico City metropolitan area (MCMA) were retrieved using two independent measurement techniques: multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. For the MAX-DOAS measurements, the software QDOAS was used to calculate differential slant column densities (dSCDs) from the measured spectra and subsequently the Mexican MAX-DOAS fit (MMF) retrieval code to convert from dSCDs to vertical column densities (VCDs). The direct solar-absorption spectra measured with FTIR were analyzed using the PROFFIT (PROFile FIT) retrieval code. Typically the MAX-DOAS instrument reports higher VCDs than those measured with FTIR, in part due to differences found in the ground-level sensitivities as revealed from the retrieval diagnostics from both instruments, as the FTIR and the MAX-DOAS information do not refer exactly to the same altitudes of the atmosphere. Three MAX-DOAS datasets using measurements conducted towards the east, west or both sides of the measurement plane were evaluated with respect to the FTIR results. The retrieved MAX-DOAS HCHO VCDs where 6 %, 8 % and 28 % larger than the FTIR measurements which, supported with satellite data, indicates a large horizontal inhomogeneity in the HCHO abundances. The temporal change in the vertical distribution of this pollutant, guided by the evolution of the mixing-layer height, affects the comparison of the two retrievals with different sensitivities (total column averaging kernels). In addition to the reported seasonal and diurnal variability of HCHO columns within the urban site, background data from measurements at a high-altitude station, located only 60 km away, are presented.

scholarly journals Observations of Atmospheric NO2 Using a New Low-Cost MAX-DOAS System

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Roşu ◽  
Daniel-Eduard Constantin ◽  
Mirela Voiculescu ◽  
Maxim Arseni ◽  
Alexis Merlaud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Optical Absorption ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Trace Gases ◽  
Elevation Angle ◽  
Local Source ◽  
Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Optic System ◽  
First Results ◽  
Spectroscopy System

This article describes the prototype of a new MAX-DOAS (multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy) system built at “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati (UGAL), Romania, and the first results of its use to observe NO2 content over Galati city (45.42° N, 28.04° E). The new equipment is a ground-based MAX-DOAS system capable of measuring the spatial distribution of DSCD (differential slant column densities) of several trace gases using horizontal and vertical observations. The new optic system, named UGAL-2-DOAS, is an in-house, low-cost, solution in comparison to the existing market of the MAX-DOAS systems. This paper describes the technical design and capabilities of the new MAX-DOAS instrument. The UGAL-2D-DOAS system was tested in April and June 2017 in Galati city. Measurements over three days were selected for the present manuscript. Full azimuthal (0–360°), local celestial meridian observations and other elevation angle sequence measurements (e.g., E–W) were performed. We found that the new MAX-DOAS system is able to detect diurnal variation and the local source emissions of NO2 from the urban environment. Also, we present concomitant zenith-sky car-DOAS observations measurements around the location of the new MAX-DOAS instrument. Comparing the horizontal scanning sequence of the new developed instrument with the mobile DOAS observations, we found that both systems can indicate and detect the same NO2 sources.

Retrieval of vertical concentration profiles from OSIRIS UV–visible limb spectra

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Strong ◽  
B M Joseph ◽  
R Dosanjh ◽  
I C McDade ◽  
C A McLinden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Absorption ◽  
Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Optimal Estimation ◽  
Gas Absorption ◽  
Forward Model ◽  
Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Trace Gas ◽  
Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Vertical Profiles ◽  
Uv Visible

The OSIRIS instrument, launched on the Odin satellite in February 2001, includes an optical spectrograph that will record UV–visible spectra of sunlight scattered from the limb over a range of tangent heights. These spectra will be used to retrieve vertical profiles of ozone, NO2, OClO, BrO, NO3, O2, and aerosols, for the investigation of both stratospheric and mesospheric processes, particularly those related to ozone chemistry. In this work, the retrieval of vertical profiles of trace-gas concentrations from OSIRIS limb-radiance spectra is described. A forward model has been developed to simulate these spectra, and it consists of a single-scattering radiative-transfer model with partial spherical geometry, trace-gas absorption, Mie scattering by stratospheric aerosols, a Lambertian surface contribution, and OSIRIS instrument response and noise. Number-density profiles have been retrieved by using optimal estimation (OE) to combine an a priori profile with the information from sets of synthetic ``measurements''. For ozone, OE has been applied both to limb radiances at one or more discrete wavelengths and to effective-column abundances retrieved over a broad spectral range using differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS). The results suggest that, between 15 and 35 km, ozone number densities can be retrieved to 10% accuracy or better on 1 and 2 km grids and to 5% on a 5 km grid. The combined DOAS-OE approach has also been used to retrieve NO2 number densities, yielding 13% accuracy or better for altitudes from 18 to 36 km on a 2 km grid. Differential optical absorption spectroscopy – optimal estimation retrievals of BrO and OClO reproduce the true profiles above 15 km in the noise-free case, but the quality of the retrievals is highly sensitive to noise on the simulated OSIRIS spectra because of the weak absorption of these two gases. The development of inversion methods for the retrieval of trace-gas concentrations from OSIRIS spectra is continuing, and a number of future improvements to the forward model and refinements of the retrieval algorithms are identified. PACS Nos.: 42.68Mj, 94.10Dy

scholarly journals Unusual optical centres in fancy brown diamonds

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 67-76
Author(s):  
A. I. Dorofeeva ◽  
S. V. Titkov
Keyword(s):  
Ir Spectroscopy ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Visible Region ◽  
Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Ultraviolet Region ◽  
Additional Absorption ◽  
Yellow Orange ◽  
Physical Classification ◽  
Uv Visible

Background. Natural brown diamonds with fancy yellow, orange, red and green tints are valuable jewelry raw materials. Their colour is associated with post-crystallisation plastic deformation occurring during transportation from the mantle to the Earth’s surface.Aim. To study point defects in plastically deformed diamonds using optical and IR spectroscopy.Materials and methods. Faceted brown diamonds with fancy tints presented on the Russian market were studied spectroscopically. Selected samples were examined using UV-visible optical absorption spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy.Results. We discovered unusual optical centres in the absorption spectra of the UV-visible region. In addition, the known continuous absorption increasing from the red to the ultraviolet region of the spectrum, as well as the N3 and H3 nitrogen centres and a band at 550 nm, were revealed. In the spectra of yellowish-brown diamonds, the bands at 512.9 nm and 519.9 nm and an accompanying broad band with a maximum of 480 nm were found. The appearance of a yellowish tint of crystals was associated with these optical centres. The bands 506.5 nm, 516.1 nm and 679.7 nm were established in the spectrum of orange-brown diamond samples. An additional absorption continuum associated with single nitrogen atoms and centres (NV)– were observed in greenish-brown diamond samples. Their simultaneous presence causes the appearance of a greenish tint in the diamond colour.Conclusion. The information obtained using IR spectroscopy indicates that an intense brown colour can occur not only in the most common Ia type crystals according to the physical classification of diamonds, but also in relatively rare Ib + IaA type diamonds.

scholarly journals Averaging kernels for DOAS total-column satellite retrievals

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 1285-1291 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. J. Eskes ◽  
K. F. Boersma
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
Systematic Errors ◽  
Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Transport Models ◽  
Retrieval Method ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Satellite Validation ◽  
Satellite Retrievals ◽  
Uv Visible ◽  
Total Column

Abstract. The Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) method is used extensively to retrieve total column amounts of trace gases based on UV-visible measurements of satellite spectrometers, such as ERS-2 GOME. In practice the sensitivity of the instrument to the tracer density is strongly height dependent, especially in the troposphere. The resulting tracer profile dependence may introduce large systematic errors in the retrieved columns that are difficult to quantify without proper additional information, as provided by the averaging kernel (AK). In this paper we discuss the DOAS retrieval method in the context of the general retrieval theory as developed by Rodgers. An expression is derived for the DOAS AK for optically thin absorbers. It is shown that the comparison with 3D chemistry-transport models and independent profile measurements, based on averaging kernels, is no longer influenced by errors resulting from a priori profile assumptions. The availability of averaging kernel information as part of the total column retrieval product is important for the interpretation of the observations, and for applications like chemical data assimilation and detailed satellite validation studies.

scholarly journals Inter-comparison of stratospheric O<sub>3</sub> and NO<sub>2</sub> abundances retrieved from balloon borne direct sun observations and Envisat/SCIAMACHY limb measurements

2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 10747-10797
Author(s):  
A. Butz ◽  
H. Bösch ◽  
C. Camy-Peyret ◽  
M. Chipperfield ◽  
M. Dorf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Optical Absorption ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Trace Gas ◽  
Optical Absorption Spectroscopy ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Vertical Profiles ◽  
Altitude Range ◽  
Solar Occultation ◽  
Uv Visible

Abstract. Stratospheric O3 and NO2 abundances measured by different remote sensing instruments are inter-compared: (1) Line-of-sight absorptions and vertical profiles inferred from solar spectra in the ultra-violet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) wavelength ranges measured by the LPMA/DOAS (Limb Profile Monitor of the Atmosphere/Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy) balloon payload during balloon ascent/descent and solar occultation are examined with respect to internal consistency. (2) The balloon borne stratospheric profiles of O3 and NO2 are compared to collocated space-borne skylight limb observations of the Envisat/SCIAMACHY satellite instrument. The trace gas profiles are retrieved from SCIAMACHY spectra using different algorithms developed at the Universities of Bremen and Heidelberg and at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. A comparison scheme is used that accounts for the spatial and temporal mismatch as well as differing photochemical conditions between the balloon and satellite borne measurements. It is found that the balloon borne measurements internally agree to within ±10% and ±20% for O3 and NO2, respectively, whereas the agreement with the satellite is ±20% for both gases in the 20 km to 30 km altitude range and in general worse below 20 km.

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