Abstract
An analysis of stratospheric nitric acid (HNO3) observed by the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) reveals a distinct, high‐altitude maximum, that appeared in late November 2003 in the polar upper stratosphere. Confined to the polar vortex, the enhanced HNO3 layer intensified while descending to the middle stratosphere, and disappeared between mid‐January and mid‐February. The high‐altitude maximum is considerably enhanced compared to the weak, secondary maxima previously reported in the literature. Analysis of MIPAS stratospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and correlations with the geomagnetic Ap index suggest that particle precipitation from the intense solar storms of October–November 2003 was responsible for this extraordinary high‐altitude HNO3 layer. The detailed morphology and time‐evolution of such a distinct, high‐altitude HNO3 layer have not been observed before, nor the link to geomagnetic activity through contemporaneous upper stratospheric NO2 measurements.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
