scholarly journals Ground-based remote sensing of O<sub>3</sub> by high and medium resolution FTIR spectrometers over the Mexico City basin

Author(s):  
Eddy F. Plaza-Medina ◽  
Wolfgang Stremme ◽  
Alejandro Bezanilla ◽  
Michel Grutter ◽  
Matthias Schneider ◽  
...  

Abstract. We present atmospheric ozone (O3) profiles measured over central Mexico between November 2012 and February 2014 by two different ground-based FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) solar absorption experiments. The first instrument offers very high resolution spectra and contributes to NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change). It is located at a mountain observatory about 1700 m above the Mexico City basin. The second instrument has a medium spectral resolution and is located inside of Mexico City at a horizontal distance of about 60 km to the mountain observatory. It is documented that the retrieval with the high and medium resolution experiments give O3 variations for three and four independent atmospheric altitude ranges, respectively, whereby the theoretically estimated errors of these profile data are mostly within 10 %. The good quality of the data is empirically demonstrated: above the tropopause by intercomparing the two FTIR O3 data and for the boundary layer by comparing the Mexico City FTIR O3 data with in-situ O3 surface data. Furthermore, we develop a combined boundary layer O3 remote sensing product that uses the retrieval results of both FTIR experiments and demonstrate theoretically and empirically the improvements achieved by such combination.

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2703-2725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddy F. Plaza-Medina ◽  
Wolfgang Stremme ◽  
Alejandro Bezanilla ◽  
Michel Grutter ◽  
Matthias Schneider ◽  
...  

Abstract. We present atmospheric ozone (O3) profiles measured over central Mexico between November 2012 and February 2014 from two different ground-based FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) solar absorption experiments. The first instrument offers very high-resolution spectra and contributes to NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change). It is located at a mountain observatory about 1700 m above the Mexico City basin. The second instrument has a medium spectral resolution and is located inside Mexico City at a horizontal distance of about 60 km from the mountain observatory. It is documented that the retrieval with the high- and medium-resolution experiments provides O3 variations for four and three independent atmospheric altitude ranges, respectively, and the theoretically estimated errors of these profile data are mostly within 10 %. The good quality of the data is empirically demonstrated above the tropopause by intercomparing the two FTIR O3 data, and for the boundary layer by comparing the Mexico City FTIR O3 data with in situ O3 surface data. Furthermore, we develop a combined boundary layer O3 remote sensing product that uses the retrieval results of both FTIR experiments, and we use theoretical and empirical evaluations to document the improvements that can be achieved by such a combination.


2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 6741-6755 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Messerschmidt ◽  
H. Chen ◽  
N. M. Deutscher ◽  
C. Gerbig ◽  
P. Grupe ◽  
...  

Abstract. The in situ boundary layer measurement site in Białystok (Poland) has been upgraded with a fully automated observatory for total greenhouse gas column measurements. The automated Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) complements the on-site in situ facilities and FTS solar absorption measurements have been recorded nearly continuously in clear and partially cloudy conditions since March 2009. Here, the FTS measurements are compared with the collocated tall tower data. Additionally, simulations of the Jena CO2 inversion model are evaluated with the Białystok measurement facilities. The simulated seasonal CO2 cycle is slightly overestimated by a mean difference of 1.2 ppm ± 0.9 ppm (1σ) in comparison with the FTS measurements. CO2 concentrations at the surface, measured at the tall tower (5 m, 90 m, 300 m), are slightly underestimated by −1.5 ppm, −1.6 ppm, and −0.7 ppm respectively during the day and by −9.1 ppm, −5.9 ppm, and −1.3 ppm during the night. The comparison of the simulated CO2 profiles with low aircraft profiles shows a slight overestimation of the lower troposphere (by up to 1 ppm) and an underestimation in near-surface heights until 800 m (by up to 2.5 ppm). In an appendix the automated FTS observatory, including the hardware components and the automation software, is described in its basics.


2018 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rayonil Gomes Carneiro ◽  
Alice Henkes ◽  
Gilberto Fisch ◽  
Camilla Kassar Borges

In the present study, the evolution the diurnal cycle of planetary boundary layer in the wet season at Amazon region during a period of intense observations carried out in the GOAmazon Project 2014/2015 (Green Ocean Amazon).The analysis includes radiosonde and remote sensing data. In general case, the results of the daily cycle in the wet season indicate a Nocturnal boundary layer with a small oscillation in its depth and with a tardy erosion. The convective boundary layer did not present great depth, responding to the low values of sensible heat of the wet season. A comparison between the different techniques(in situ observations and remote sensing)  for estimating the planetary boundary layer is also presented.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 989-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya-Chien Feng ◽  
Frédéric Fabry ◽  
Tammy M. Weckwerth

AbstractAccurate radar refractivity retrievals are critical for quantitative applications, such as assimilating refractivity into numerical models or studying boundary layer and convection processes. However, the technique as originally developed makes some simplistic assumptions about the heights of ground targets () and the vertical gradient of refractivity (). In reality, the field of target phases used for refractivity retrieval is noisy because of varying terrain and introduces estimation biases. To obtain a refractivity map at a constant height above terrain, a 2D horizontal refractivity field at the radar height must be computed and corrected for altitude using an average . This is achieved by theoretically clarifying the interpretation of the measured phase considering the varying and the temporal change of . Evolving causes systematic refractivity biases, as it affects the beam trajectory, the associated target range, and the refractivity field sampled between selected targets of different heights. To determine and changes, a twofold approach is proposed: first, can be reasonably inferred based on terrain height; then, a new method of estimation is devised by using the property of the returned powers of a pointlike target at successive antenna elevations. The obtained shows skill based on in situ tower observation. As a result, the data quality of the retrieved refractivity may be improved with the newly added information of and .


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 2845-2875 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Schneider ◽  
Andreas Wiegele ◽  
Sabine Barthlott ◽  
Yenny González ◽  
Emanuel Christner ◽  
...  

Abstract. In the lower/middle troposphere, {H2O,δD} pairs are good proxies for moisture pathways; however, their observation, in particular when using remote sensing techniques, is challenging. The project MUSICA (MUlti-platform remote Sensing of Isotopologues for investigating the Cycle of Atmospheric water) addresses this challenge by integrating the remote sensing with in situ measurement techniques. The aim is to retrieve calibrated tropospheric {H2O,δD} pairs from the middle infrared spectra measured from ground by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectrometers of the NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) and the thermal nadir spectra measured by IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) aboard the MetOp satellites. In this paper, we present the final MUSICA products, and discuss the characteristics and potential of the NDACC/FTIR and MetOp/IASI {H2O,δD} data pairs. First, we briefly resume the particularities of an {H2O,δD} pair retrieval. Second, we show that the remote sensing data of the final product version are absolutely calibrated with respect to H2O and δD in situ profile references measured in the subtropics, between 0 and 7 km. Third, we reveal that the {H2O,δD} pair distributions obtained from the different remote sensors are consistent and allow distinct lower/middle tropospheric moisture pathways to be identified in agreement with multi-year in situ references. Fourth, we document the possibilities of the NDACC/FTIR instruments for climatological studies (due to long-term monitoring) and of the MetOp/IASI sensors for observing diurnal signals on a quasi-global scale and with high horizontal resolution. Fifth, we discuss the risk of misinterpreting {H2O,δD} pair distributions due to incomplete processing of the remote sensing products.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleni Marinou ◽  
Vasslis Amiridis ◽  
Ioanna Mavropoulou ◽  
Holger Baars ◽  
Stelios Kazadzis ◽  
...  

&lt;p&gt;For the in-orbit calibration and validation of the Aeolus products, ESA organized the Aeolus Tropical campaign, which will take place on June-July 2021 at Cape Verde region. During the campaign, Aeolus underfights will be performed with several aircrafts (by DLR, NASA, LATMOS, and the University of Nova Gorica (UNG)) and advanced ground-based instrumentation will be deployed in Mindelo island within ASKOS (https://askos.space.noa.gr/) experiment. ASKOS observations will provide an unprecedented dataset for the aerosol and wind conditions in the region, in order to provide reference values for the Cal/Val of the mission. Apart from the main aerosol Cal/Val objective of ASKOS, the foreseen synergistic activities will provide a wealth of information to address scientific questions posed by the participating groups on dust characterization, transportation and it&amp;#8217;s impact of radiation and cloud formation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here, we report on the status of the ASKOS preparations for the evaluation of the aerosol and cloud product, focusing on the instrumentation requirements and availability, as well as the engagement of the scientific community so far. ASKOS will deploy advanced ground-based and airborne remote sensing and in-situ instrumentation, including the full ACTRIS aerosol and cloud remote sensing/in-situ facilities and airborne in-situ sensors to be operated on drones and/or aircrafts. The main ground-based remote sensing instrumentation in Cape Verde will consist of sophisticated lidar systems, including the EVE lidar, a circular polarization system that is tailored to mimic the Aeolus measurement from ground, the multi-wavelength Polly-XT and the WALL-E prototype for detecting particle orientation. The instrumentation will also include sun-photometers such as AERONET-CIMEL, but also polarimeters to advance microphysical retrievals for non-spherical particles such as dust. Cloud remote sensors including a cloud radar and a microwave radiometer will operate in parallel along with meteorological radiosondes. In-situ sensors at surface and onboard UAVs and light aircrafts will be available. ASKOS will be fully supported by several operational modeling simulations for meteorological and atmospheric composition forecasting. ASKOS will remain open to contributions from other communities and research groups and more synergies will be pursued in the future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (24) ◽  
pp. 15761-15774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Borsdorff ◽  
Agustín García Reynoso ◽  
Gilberto Maldonado ◽  
Bertha Mar-Morales ◽  
Wolfgang Stremme ◽  
...  

Abstract. The Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the ESA Copernicus Sentinel-5 satellite (S5-P) measures carbon monoxide (CO) total column concentrations as one of its primary targets. In this study, we analyze TROPOMI observations over Mexico City in the period 14 November 2017 to 25 August 2019 by means of collocated CO simulations using the regional Weather Research and Forecasting coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model. We draw conclusions on the emissions from different urban districts in the region. Our WRF-Chem simulation distinguishes CO emissions from the districts Tula, Pachuca, Tulancingo, Toluca, Cuernavaca, Cuautla, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Mexico City, and Mexico City Arena by 10 separate tracers. For the data interpretation, we apply a source inversion approach determining per district the mean emissions and the temporal variability, the latter regularized to reduce the propagation of the instrument noise and forward-model errors in the inversion. In this way, the TROPOMI observations are used to evaluate the Inventario Nacional de Emisiones de Contaminantes Criterio (INEM) inventory that was adapted to the period 2017–2019 using in situ ground-based observations. For the Tula and Pachuca urban areas in the north of Mexico City, we obtain 0.10±0.004 and 0.09±0.005 Tg yr−1 CO emissions, which exceeds significantly the INEM emissions of <0.008 Tg yr−1 for both areas. On the other hand for Mexico City, TROPOMI estimates emissions of 0.14±0.006 Tg yr−1 CO, which is about half of the INEM emissions of 0.25 Tg yr−1, and for the adjacent district Mexico City Arena the emissions are 0.28±0.01 Tg yr−1 according to TROPOMI observations versus 0.14 Tg yr−1 as stated by the INEM inventory. Interestingly, the total emissions of both districts are similar (0.42±0.016 Tg yr−1 TROPOMI versus 0.39 Tg yr−1 adapted INEM emissions). Moreover, for both areas we found that the TROPOMI emission estimates follow a clear weekly cycle with a minimum during the weekend. This agrees well with ground-based in situ measurements from the Secretaría del Medio Ambiente (SEDEMA) and Fourier transform spectrometer column measurements in Mexico City that are operated by the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change Infrared Working Group (NDACC-IRWG). Overall, our study demonstrates an approach to deploying the large number of TROPOMI CO data to draw conclusions on urban emissions on sub-city scales for metropolises like Mexico City. Moreover, for the exploitation of TROPOMI CO observations our analysis indicates the clear need for further improvements of regional models like WRF-Chem, in particular with respect to the prediction of the local wind fields.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veeramanikandan Ramadoss ◽  
Kevin Pfannkuch ◽  
Alain Protat ◽  
Yi Huang ◽  
Steven Siems ◽  
...  

&lt;p&gt;Stratocumulus (Sc) clouds cover between 25% to 40% of the mid-latitude oceans, where they substantially cool the ocean surface. Many climate models poorly represent these marine boundary layer clouds in the lee of cold fronts in the Southern Ocean (SO), which yields a substantial underestimation of the reflection of short wave radiation. This results in a positive mean bias of 2K in the SO. The representation of stratocumulus clouds, cloud variability, precipitation statistics, and boundary layer dynamics within the ICON-NWP (Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic &amp;#8211; Numerical Weather Prediction) model at the km-scale is evaluated in this study over the SO.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Real case simulations forced by ERA5 are performed with a two-way nesting strategy down to a resolution of 1.2 km. The model is evaluated using the soundings, remote sensing and in-situ observations obtained during the CAPRICORN (Clouds, Aerosols, Precipitation, Radiation, and Atmospheric Composition over the Southern Ocean) field campaign that took place during March and April 2016. During two days (26&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; to 27&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; of March 2016), open-cell stratocumuli were continuously observed by the shipborne radars and lidars between 47&lt;sup&gt;o&lt;/sup&gt;S 144&lt;sup&gt;o&lt;/sup&gt;E and 45&lt;sup&gt;o&lt;/sup&gt;S 146&lt;sup&gt;o&lt;/sup&gt;E (South of Tasmania). Our simulations are evaluated against the remote sensing retrievals using the forward simulated radar signatures from PAMTRA (Passive and Active Microwave TRAnsfer).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The initial results show that the observed variability of various cloud fields is best captured in simulations where only shallow convection is parameterised at this scale. Furthermore, ICON-NWP captures the observed intermittency of precipitation, yet the precipitation amount is overestimated. We further analyse the sensitivity of the cloud and precipitation statistics with respect to primary and secondary ice-phase processes (such as Hallett&amp;#8211;Mossop and collisional breakup) in ICON-NWP. Both processes have previously been shown to improve ice properties of simulated shallow mixed-phase clouds over the Southern Ocean in other models. &lt;/p&gt;


2010 ◽  
Vol 138 (9) ◽  
pp. 3656-3670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvie Lorsolo ◽  
Jun A. Zhang ◽  
Frank Marks ◽  
John Gamache

Abstract Hurricane turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) was computed using airborne Doppler measurements from the NOAA WP-3D tail radars, and TKE data were retrieved for a variety of storms at different stages of their life cycle. The geometry of the radar analysis coupled with the relatively small beam resolution at ranges &lt;8 km allowed for the estimation of subkilometer turbulent processes. Two-dimensional profiles of TKE were constructed and revealed that the strongest turbulence was generally located in convective regions, such as the eyewall, with magnitudes often exceeding 15 m2 s−2 and in the boundary layer with values of 5–10 m2 s−2 in the lowest kilometer. A correlation analysis showed that the strong turbulence was generally associated with strong horizontal shear of vertical and radial wind components in the eyewall and strong vertical shear of horizontal wind in the boundary layer. Mean vertical profiles of TKE decrease sharply above the hurricane boundary layer and level off at low magnitude for all regions outside the radius of maximum wind. The quality of the retrieval method was evaluated and showed very good agreement with TKE values directly calculated from the three-dimensional wind components of in situ measurements. The method presented here provides a unique opportunity to assess hurricane turbulence throughout the storm, especially in high-wind regions, and can be applied on extensive datasets of past and future airborne hurricane penetrations.


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