Ozone profile distributions in the Arctic from GOME satellite observations during spring 1997 and 1998

Abstract

The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) aboard ESA's ERS-2 satellite measures the reflected and backscattered radiation from the Earth in the UV/visible spectral range at moderate spectral resolution. Vertical ozone profile distributions can be derived form top-of-atmosphere nadir observations using the Full Retrieval Method FURM, which is based upon an advanced Optimal Estimation inversion scheme. During the Arctic spring seasons 1997 and 1998 hemispheric ozone profile distributions have been derived from GOME observations. In 1997 the polar vortex formed late in winter and record low temperatures were reached in late March. In the lower stratosphere depleted levels of ozone were observed by GOME. From vertical ozone distributions inside the polar vortex obtained on 24 days between 9 March and 16 May 1997, chemical ozone loss rates in the lower stratosphere are estimated. The lower stratospheric temperatures in spring 1998 were comparable to the longterm mean and the polar vortex was relatively weak. Preliminary results from this period are also presented. In both spring seasons ozone mini-hole events, which are characterized by intrusion of ozone poor subtropical air into mid and polar latitudes, were observed. From transects of GOME orbits the 2D structure of the zone mini-hole can be studied in detail.