scholarly journals Simultaneous trace gas measurements using two Fourier transform spectrometers at Eureka, Canada during spring 2006, and comparisons with the ACE-FTS

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 5383-5405 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Fu ◽  
K. A. Walker ◽  
R. L. Mittermeier ◽  
K. Strong ◽  
K. Sung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Optimal Estimation ◽  
Solar Absorption ◽  
Atmospheric Research ◽  
Gas Measurements ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Total Column

Abstract. The 2006 Canadian Arctic ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) Validation Campaign collected measurements at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL, 86.42° W, 80.05° N, 610 m a.s.l.) at Eureka, Canada from 17 February to 31 March 2006. Two of the ten instruments involved in the campaign, both Fourier transform spectrometers (FTSs), were operated simultaneously, recording atmospheric solar absorption spectra. The first instrument was an ABB Bomem DA8 high-resolution infrared FTS. The second instrument was the Portable Atmospheric Research Interferometric Spectrometer for the Infrared (PARIS-IR), the ground-based version of the satellite-borne FTS on the ACE satellite (ACE-FTS). From the measurements collected by these two ground-based instruments, total column densities of seven stratospheric trace gases (O3, HCl, ClONO2, HF, HNO3, NO2, and NO) were retrieved using the optimal estimation method and these results were compared. Since the two instruments sampled the same portions of atmosphere by synchronizing observations during the campaign and used consistent retrieval parameters, the biases in retrieved columns from the two spectrometers represent the instrumental differences. Mean differences in total column densities of O3, HCl, ClONO2, HF, HNO3, and NO2 from the observations between PARIS-IR and the DA8 FTS are 2.8 %, −3.2 %, −4.3 %, −1.5 %, −1.9 %, and −0.1 %, respectively. Partial column results from the ground-based spectrometers were also compared with partial columns derived from ACE-FTS version 2.2 (including updates for O3) profiles. Mean differences in partial column densities of O3, HCl, ClONO2, HF, HNO3, NO2, and NO from the measurements between ACE-FTS and the DA8 FTS are −5.9 %, −8.5 %, −11.8 %, −0.9 %, −6.6 %, −21.6 % and −7.6 % respectively. Mean differences in partial column densities of O3, HCl, ClONO2, HF, HNO3, NO2 from the measurements between ACE-FTS and the PARIS-IR are −5.2 %, −4.6 %, −2.3 %, −4.7 %, 5.7 % and −11.9 %, respectively. This work provides further evidence of the reliability of ACE-FTS measurements from the first three years of on-orbit observations. Column densities of O3, HCl, ClONO2, and HNO3 from the three FTSs were normalized with respect to HF and used to compare the time evolution of the chemical constituents in the atmosphere over Eureka during spring 2006.

scholarly journals Simultaneous atmospheric measurements using two Fourier transform infrared spectrometers at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory during spring 2006, and comparisons with the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment-Fourier Transform Spectrometer

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 5305-5358 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Fu ◽  
K. A. Walker ◽  
R. L. Mittermeier ◽  
K. Strong ◽  
K. Sung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Research Laboratory ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Optimal Estimation ◽  
Atmospheric Measurements ◽  
Atmospheric Research ◽  
Polar Environment ◽  
Chemistry Experiment

Abstract. The 2006 Canadian Arctic ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) Validation Campaign collected measurements at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL, 80.05° N, 86.42° W, 610 m above sea level) at Eureka, Canada from 17 February to 31 March 2006. Two of the ten instruments involved in the campaign, both Fourier transform spectrometers (FTSs), were operated simultaneously, recording atmospheric solar absorption spectra. The first instrument was an ABB Bomem DA8 high-resolution infrared FTS. The second instrument was the Portable Atmospheric Research Interferometric Spectrometer for the Infrared (PARIS-IR), the ground-based version of the satellite-borne FTS on the ACE satellite (ACE-FTS). From the measurements collected by these two ground-based instruments, total column densities of seven stratospheric trace gases (O3, HNO3, NO2, HCl, HF, NO, and ClONO2 were retrieved using the optimal estimation method and these results were compared. Since the two instruments sampled the same portions of atmosphere by synchronizing observations during the campaign, the biases in retrieved columns from the two spectrometers represent the instrumental differences. These differences were consistent with those seen in previous FTS intercomparison studies. Partial column results from the ground-based spectrometers were also compared with partial columns derived from ACE-FTS version 2.2 (including updates for O3, HDO and N2O5 profiles and the differences found were consistent with the other validation comparison studies for the ACE-FTS version 2.2 data products. Column densities of O3, HCl, ClONO2, and HNO3 from the three FTSs were normalized with respect to HF and used to probe the time evolution of the chemical constituents in the atmosphere over Eureka during spring 2006.

scholarly journals Multi-year comparisons of ground-based and space-borne Fourier transform spectrometers in the high Arctic between 2006 and 2013

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 3273-3294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debora Griffin ◽  
Kaley A. Walker ◽  
Stephanie Conway ◽  
Felicia Kolonjari ◽  
Kimberly Strong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Trace Gases ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Atmospheric Research ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Experiment Validation ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Good Agreement

Abstract. This paper presents 8 years (2006–2013) of measurements obtained from Fourier transform spectrometers (FTSs) in the high Arctic at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL; 80.05° N, 86.42° W). These measurements were taken as part of the Canadian Arctic ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) validation campaigns that have been carried out since 2004 during the polar sunrise period (from mid-February to mid-April). Each spring, two ground-based FTSs were used to measure total and partial columns of HF, O3, and trace gases that impact O3 depletion, namely, HCl and HNO3. Additionally, some tropospheric greenhouse gases and pollutant species were measured, namely CH4, N2O, CO, and C2H6. During the same time period, the satellite-based ACE-FTS made measurements near Eureka and provided profiles of the same trace gases. Comparisons have been carried out between the measurements from the Portable Atmospheric Research Interferometric Spectrometer for the InfraRed (PARIS-IR) and the co-located high-resolution Bruker 125HR FTS, as well as with the latest version of the ACE-FTS retrievals (v3.5). The total column comparison between the two co-located ground-based FTSs, PARIS-IR and Bruker 125HR, found very good agreement for most of these species (except HF), with differences well below the estimated uncertainties ( ≤ 6  %) and with high correlations (R ≥ 0. 8). Partial columns have been used for the ground-based to space-borne comparison, with coincident measurements selected based on time, distance, and scaled potential vorticity (sPV). The comparisons of the ground-based measurements with ACE-FTS show good agreement in the partial columns for most species within 6  % (except for C2H6 and PARIS-IR HF), which is consistent with the total retrieval uncertainty of the ground-based instruments. The correlation coefficients (R) of the partial column comparisons for all eight species range from approximately 0.75 to 0.95. The comparisons show no notable increases of the mean differences over these 8 years, indicating the consistency of these datasets and suggesting that the space-borne ACE-FTS measurements have been stable over this period. In addition, changes in the amounts of these trace gases during springtime between 2006 and 2013 are presented and discussed. Increased O3 (0. 9  %  yr−1), HCl (1. 7  %  yr−1), HF (3. 8  %  yr−1), CH4 (0.5  % yr−1), and C2H6 (2. 3 % yr−1, 2009–2013) have been found with the PARIS-IR dataset, the longer of the two ground-based records.

scholarly journals Multi-year comparisons of ground-based and space-borne Fourier Transform Spectrometers in the high Arctic between 2006 and 2013

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debora Griffin ◽  
Kaley A. Walker ◽  
Stephanie Conway ◽  
Felicia Kolonjari ◽  
Kimberly Strong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Trace Gases ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Atmospheric Research ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Experiment Validation ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Good Agreement

Abstract. This paper presents eight years (2006–2013) of measurements obtained from Fourier Transform Spectrometers (FTSs) in the high Arctic at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL, 80.05° N, 86.42° W). These measurements were taken as part of the Canadian Arctic ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) Validation Campaigns that have been carried out since 2004 during the polar sunrise period (from mid-February to mid-April). Each spring, two ground-based FTSs were used to measure total and partial columns of HF, O3, and trace gases that impact O3 depletion, namely, HCl, and HNO3. Additionally, some tropospheric greenhouse gases and pollutant species were measured, namely CH4, N2O, CO, and C2H6. During the same time period, the satellite-based ACE-FTS made measurements near Eureka and provided profiles of the same trace gases. Comparisons have been carried out between the measurements from PARIS-IR and the co-located high-resolution Bruker 125HR FTS, as well as with the latest version of the ACE-FTS retrievals (v3.5). The total column comparison between the two co-located ground-based FTSs, PARIS-IR and Bruker 125HR, found very good agreement for most of these species (except HF), with differences well below the estimated uncertainties (~ 6 %) and with high correlations (R ≥ 0.8). Partial columns have been used for the ground-based to space-borne comparison, with coincident measurements selected based on time, distance and scaled potential vorticity (sPV). The comparisons of the ground-based measurements with ACE-FTS show good agreement in the partial columns for most species within 6 % (except for C2H6 and PARIS-IR HF), which are consistent with the total retrieval uncertainty of the ground-based instruments. The correlation coefficients (R) of the partial column comparisons for all eight species range from approximately 0.75 to 0.95. The comparisons show no significant increase in the mean differences over these eight years, indicating the consistency of these datasets and suggesting that the space-borne ACE-FTS measurements have been stable over this period. In addition, changes in the amounts of these trace gases during springtime between 2006 and 2013 are presented and discussed. Increased O3 (0.9 % yr−1), HCl (1.7 % yr−1), HF (3.8 % yr−1), CH4 (0.5 % yr−1) and C2H6 (2.3 % yr−1, 2009–2013) have been found near PEARL from the Portable Atmospheric Research Interferometric Spectrometer for the InfraRed (PARIS-IR) dataset.

scholarly journals Five years of CO, HCN, C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub>, C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub>, CH<sub>3</sub>OH, HCOOH and H<sub>2</sub>CO total columns measured in the Canadian high Arctic

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 1547-1570 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Viatte ◽  
K. Strong ◽  
K. A. Walker ◽  
J. R. Drummond
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Optimal Estimation ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Retrieval Algorithm ◽  
Data Set

Abstract. We present a five-year time series of seven tropospheric species measured using a ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL; Eureka, Nunavut, Canada; 80°05' N, 86°42' W) from 2007 to 2011. Total columns and temporal variabilities of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and ethane (C2H6) as well as the first derived total columns at Eureka of acetylene (C2H2), methanol (CH3OH), formic acid (HCOOH) and formaldehyde (H2CO) are investigated, providing a new data set in the sparsely sampled high latitudes. Total columns are obtained using the SFIT2 retrieval algorithm based on the optimal estimation method. The microwindows as well as the a priori profiles and variabilities are selected to optimize the information content of the retrievals, and error analyses are performed for all seven species. Our retrievals show good sensitivities in the troposphere. The seasonal amplitudes of the time series, ranging from 34 to 104%, are captured while using a single a priori profile for each species. The time series of the CO, C2H6 and C2H2 total columns at PEARL exhibit strong seasonal cycles with maxima in winter and minima in summer, in opposite phase to the HCN, CH3OH, HCOOH and H2CO time series. These cycles result from the relative contributions of the photochemistry, oxidation and transport as well as biogenic and biomass burning emissions. Comparisons of the FTIR partial columns with coincident satellite measurements by the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) show good agreement. The correlation coefficients and the slopes range from 0.56 to 0.97 and 0.50 to 3.35, respectively, for the seven target species. Our new data set is compared to previous measurements found in the literature to assess atmospheric budgets of these tropospheric species in the high Arctic. The CO and C2H6concentrations are consistent with negative trends observed over the Northern Hemisphere, attributed to fossil fuel emission decrease. The importance of poleward transport for the atmospheric budgets of HCN and C2H2 is highlighted. Columns and variabilities of CH3OH and HCOOH at PEARL are comparable to previous measurements performed at other remote sites. However, the small columns of H2CO in early May might reflect its large atmospheric variability and/or the effect of the updated spectroscopic parameters used in our retrievals. Overall, emissions from biomass burning contribute to the day-to-day variabilities of the seven tropospheric species observed at Eureka.

scholarly journals Five years of CO, HCN, C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub>, C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub>, CH<sub>3</sub>OH, HCOOH, and H<sub>2</sub>CO total columns measured in the Canadian High Arctic

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 11345-11403
Author(s):  
C. Viatte ◽  
K. Strong ◽  
K. A. Walker ◽  
J. R. Drummond
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Optimal Estimation ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Retrieval Algorithm ◽  
Atmospheric Variability

Abstract. We present a five-year timeseries of seven tropospheric species measured using a ground-based Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectrometer at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL, Eureka, Nunavut, Canada, 80°05' N, 86°42' W) from 2007 to 2011. Total columns and temporal variabilities of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and ethane (C2H6), as well as the first derived total columns at Eureka of acetylene (C2H2), methanol (CH3OH), formic acid (HCOOH), and formaldehyde (H2CO) are investigated, providing a new dataset in the sparsely sampled high latitudes. Total columns are obtained using the SFIT2 retrieval algorithm based on the Optimal Estimation Method. The microwindows, as well as the a priori profiles and variabilities are selected to optimize the information content of the retrievals, and error analyses are performed for all seven species. Our retrievals show good sensitivities in the troposphere. The seasonal amplitudes of the timeseries, ranging from 34 to 104%, are captured while using a single a priori profile for each species. The timeseries of the CO, C2H6 and C2H2 total columns at PEARL exhibit strong seasonal cycles with maxima in winter and minima in summer, in opposite phase to the HCN, CH3OH, HCOOH and H2CO timeseries. These cycles result from the relative contributions of the photochemistry, oxidation, and transport, as well as biogenic and biomass burning emissions. Comparisons of the FTIR partial columns with coincident satellite measurements by the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) show good agreement. The correlation coefficients and the slopes range from 0.56 to 0.97, and 0.50 to 3.35, respectively, for the seven target species. Our new dataset is compared with previous measurements found in the literature to assess atmospheric budgets of these tropospheric species in the high Arctic. The CO and C2H6 concentrations are consistent with negative trends observed over the Northern Hemisphere, attributed to fossil fuel emission decrease. The importance of poleward transport on the atmospheric budgets of HCN and C2H2 is highlighted. Columns and variabilities of CH3OH, and HCOOH at PEARL are comparable to previous measurements performed at other remote sites. However, the small columns of H2CO in early May might reflect its large atmospheric variability, and/or the effect of the updated spectroscopic parameters used in our retrievals. Overall, emissions from biomass burning contribute to the day-to-day variabilities of the seven tropospheric species observed at Eureka.

scholarly journals Retrieval and validation of METOP/IASI methane

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn De Wachter ◽  
Nicolas Kumps ◽  
Ann Carine Vandaele ◽  
Bavo Langerock ◽  
Martine De Mazière
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Optimal Estimation ◽  
Good Sensitivity ◽  
Upper Troposphere ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

Abstract. A new global IASI methane product developed at the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) is presented. The retrievals are performed with the ASIMUT-ALVL software based on the Optimal Estimation Method (OEM). This paper gives an overview of the forward model and retrieval concept. The usefullness of reconstructed Principal Component Compressed (PCC) radiances is highlighted. The retrieval uncertainty of the CH4 profiles is less than 4 % below 100 hPa (~ 16 km). The information content study carried out in this paper shows that most IASI pixels contain between 0.9 and 1.6 independent pieces of information about the vertical distribution of CH4, with a good sensitivity in the mid to upper troposphere. An extended validation with ground-based CH4 observations at 10 locations was carried out. IASI CH4 partial columns are found to correlate well with the ground-based data for 7 out of the 10 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) stations with correlation coefficients between 0.71 and 0.96. Mean differences between IASI and FTIR CH4 range between −1.93 and 4.40 % and are within the systematic uncertainty. For 7 out of the 10 stations absolute differences are less than 1 %. The standard deviation of the difference lies between 1.40 and 3.99 % for all the stations.

scholarly journals Technical Note: New ground-based FTIR measurements at Ile de La Réunion: observations, error analysis, and comparisons with independent data

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 827-891 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Senten ◽  
M. De Mazière ◽  
B. Dils ◽  
C. Hermans ◽  
M. Kruglanski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
High Spectral Resolution ◽  
La Réunion ◽  
Solar Absorption ◽  
Île De La Réunion ◽  
Remote Sensing Technique ◽  
Total Column

Abstract. Ground-based high spectral resolution Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) solar absorption spectroscopy is a powerful remote sensing technique to obtain information on the total column abundances and on the vertical distribution of various constituents in the atmosphere. This work presents results from two short-term FTIR measurement campaigns in 2002 and 2004, held at the (sub)tropical site Ile de La Réunion (21°S, 55°E). These campaigns represent the first FTIR observations carried out at this site. The results include total column amounts from the surface up to 100 km of ozone (O3), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon monoxide (CO), ethane (C2H6), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen fluoride (HF) and nitric acid (HNO3), as well as some vertical profile information for the first four mentioned trace gases. The data are characterised in terms of the vertical information content and associated error budget. In the 2004 time series, the seasonal increase of the CO concentration was observed by the end of October, along with a sudden rise that has been attributed to biomass burning events in southern Africa and Madagascar. This attribution was based on trajectory modeling. In the same period, other biomass burning gases such as C2H6 also show an enhancement in their total column amounts which is highly correlated with the increase of the CO total columns. The observed total column values for CO are consistent with correlative data from MOPITT (Measurements Of Pollution In The Troposphere). Comparisons between our ground-based FTIR observations and space-borne observations from ACE-FTS (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment – Fourier Transform Spectrometer) and HALOE (Halogen Occultation Experiment) confirm the feasibility of the FTIR measurements at Ile de La Réunion.

Semiautonomous FTS Observation System for Remote Sensing of Stratospheric and Tropospheric Gases

2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 1814-1828 ◽  
Author(s):  
James W. Hannigan ◽  
Michael T. Coffey ◽  
Aaron Goldman
Keyword(s):  
Estimation Method ◽  
Optimal Estimation ◽  
Atmospheric Composition ◽  
Observation System ◽  
Spectra Analysis ◽  
Solar Absorption ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
And Control ◽  
Total Column

Abstract A solar-viewing Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) at Thule, Greenland (76.5°N, 68.8°W, 225 m MSL), has been in operation as part of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change [NDACC; formerly the Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change (NDSC)] since 1999. Observations have been made, on average, 77 days yr−1 during the 8 months, excluding polar night. The semiautonomous operation of the instrument, including its associated optical, cryogenic, and control systems, is of primary importance to acquiring long-term data records efficiently and is herein described. Discussed in this paper are the data processing and spectra analysis methodology that are used to convert the measured interferograms into geophysical data products. Vertical profile retrievals derived from the high-resolution solar absorption spectra use the optimal estimation method. Total column amounts then represent the integration of these vertical profiles. As an example of this process, results are presented for daily average total column amounts of HF, HCl, ClONO2, and CCl2F2 from 2001 through 2007. The means of unperturbed summertime observations are used in a preliminary study of their annual trends.

scholarly journals Retrieval of atmospheric CH<sub>4</sub> vertical information from ground-based FTS near-infrared spectra

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 6125-6141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minqiang Zhou ◽  
Bavo Langerock ◽  
Mahesh Kumar Sha ◽  
Nicolas Kumps ◽  
Christian Hermans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Mole Fraction ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Satellite Observations ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Fourier Transform Spectrometer ◽  
Aircraft Measurements ◽  
Retrieval Software ◽  
Total Column

Abstract. The Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) column-averaged dry air mole fraction of CH4 (XCH4) measurements have been widely used to validate satellite observations and to estimate model simulations. The GGG2014 code is the standard TCCON retrieval software used in performing a profile scaling retrieval. In order to obtain several vertical pieces of information in addition to the total column, in this study, the SFIT4 retrieval code is applied to retrieve the CH4 mole fraction vertical profile from the Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) spectrum at six sites (Ny-Ålesund, Sodankylä, Bialystok, Bremen, Orléans and St Denis) during the time period of 2016–2017. The retrieval strategy of the CH4 profile retrieval from ground-based FTS near-infrared (NIR) spectra using the SFIT4 code (SFIT4NIR) is investigated. The degree of freedom for signal (DOFS) of the SFIT4NIR retrieval is about 2.4, with two distinct pieces of information in the troposphere and in the stratosphere. The averaging kernel and error budget of the SFIT4NIR retrieval are presented. The data accuracy and precision of the SFIT4NIR retrievals, including the total column and two partial columns (in the troposphere and stratosphere), are estimated by TCCON standard retrievals, ground-based in situ measurements, Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment – Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) satellite observations, TCCON proxy data and AirCore and aircraft measurements. By comparison against TCCON standard retrievals, it is found that the retrieval uncertainty of SFIT4NIR XCH4 is similar to that of TCCON standard retrievals with systematic uncertainty within 0.35 % and random uncertainty of about 0.5 %. The tropospheric and stratospheric XCH4 from SFIT4NIR retrievals are assessed by comparison with AirCore and aircraft measurements, and there is a 1.0 ± 0.3 % overestimation in the SFIT4NIR tropospheric XCH4 and a 4.0 ± 2.0 % underestimation in the SFIT4NIR stratospheric XCH4, which are within the systematic uncertainties of SFIT4NIR-retrieved partial columns in the troposphere and stratosphere respectively.

scholarly journals Four Fourier transform spectrometers and the Arctic polar vortex: instrument intercomparison and ACE-FTS validation at Eureka during the IPY springs of 2007 and 2008

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Batchelor ◽  
F. Kolonjari ◽  
R. Lindenmaier ◽  
R. L. Mittermeier ◽  
W. Daffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Ozone Depletion ◽  
Polar Vortex ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Satellite Mission ◽  
International Polar Year ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Gas Measurements ◽  
Chemistry Experiment

Abstract. The Canadian Arctic Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Validation Campaigns have been carried out at Eureka, Nunavut (80.05° N, 86.42° W) during the polar sunrise period since 2004. During the International Polar Year (IPY) springs of 2007 and 2008, three ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers were operated simultaneously. This paper presents a comparison of trace gas measurements of stratospherically important species involved in ozone depletion, namely O3, HCl, ClONO2, HNO3 and HF, recorded with these three spectrometers. Total column densities of the gases measured with the new Canadian Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Change (CANDAC) Bruker 125HR are shown to agree to within 3.5% with the existing Environment Canada Bomem DA8 measurements. After smoothing both of these sets of measurements to account for the lower spectral resolution of the University of Waterloo Portable Atmospheric Research Interferometric Spectrometer for the Infrared (PARIS-IR), the measurements were likewise shown to agree with PARIS-IR to within 7%. Concurrent measurements of these gases were also made with the satellite-based Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) during overpasses of Eureka during these time periods. While one of the mandates of the ACE satellite mission is to study ozone depletion in the polar spring, previous validation exercises have identified the highly variable polar vortex conditions of the spring period to be a challenge for validation efforts. In this work, comparisons between the CANDAC Bruker 125HR and ACE-FTS have been used to develop strict criteria that allow the ground- and satellite-based instruments to be confidently compared. When these criteria are taken into consideration, the observed biases between the ACE-FTS and ground-based FTIR spectrometer are not persistent for both years and are generally insignificant, though small positive biases of ~5%, comparable in magnitude to those seen in previous validation exercises, are observed for HCl and HF in 2007, and negative biases of −15.3%, −4.8% and −1.5% are seen for ClONO2, HNO3 and O3 in 2008.

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