Central Aerological Observatory Research Articles

Composition changes after the "Halloween" solar proton event: the High Energy Particle Precipitation in the Atmosphere (HEPPA) model versus MIPAS data intercomparison study

Abstract. We have compared composition changes of NO, NO2, H2O2, O3, N2O, HNO3, N2O5, HNO4, ClO, HOCl, and ClONO2 as observed by the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) on Envisat in the aftermath of the "Halloween" solar proton event (SPE) in late October 2003 at 25–0.01 hPa in the Northern Hemisphere (40–90° N) and simulations performed by the following atmospheric models: the Bremen 2-D model (B2dM) and Bremen 3-D Chemical Transport Model (B3dCTM), the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO) model, FinROSE, the Hamburg Model of the Neutral and Ionized Atmosphere (HAMMONIA), the Karlsruhe Simulation Model of the Middle Atmosphere (KASIMA), the ECHAM5/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model, the modeling tool for SOlar Climate Ozone Links studies (SOCOL and SOCOLi), and the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM4). The large number of participating models allowed for an evaluation of the overall ability of atmospheric models to reproduce observed atmospheric perturbations generated by SPEs, particularly with respect to NOy and ozone changes. We have further assessed the meteorological conditions and their implications for the chemical response to the SPE in both the models and observations by comparing temperature and tracer (CH4 and CO) fields. Simulated SPE-induced ozone losses agree on average within 5 % with the observations. Simulated NOy enhancements around 1 hPa, however, are typically 30 % higher than indicated by the observations which are likely to be related to deficiencies in the used ionization rates, though other error sources related to the models' atmospheric background state and/or transport schemes cannot be excluded. The analysis of the observed and modeled NOy partitioning in the aftermath of the SPE has demonstrated the need to implement additional ion chemistry (HNO3 formation via ion-ion recombination and water cluster ions) into the chemical schemes. An overestimation of observed H2O2 enhancements by all models hints at an underestimation of the OH/HO2 ratio in the upper polar stratosphere during the SPE. The analysis of chlorine species perturbations has shown that the encountered differences between models and observations, particularly the underestimation of observed ClONO2 enhancements, are related to a smaller availability of ClO in the polar night region already before the SPE. In general, the intercomparison has demonstrated that differences in the meteorology and/or initial state of the atmosphere in the simulations cause a relevant variability of the model results, even on a short timescale of only a few days.

Ozone content over the Russian federation in the second quarter of 2011

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the Total Ozone (TO) Monitoring in the CIS and Baltic countries functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data from the national network with M-124 filter ozonometers under methodological supervision of the Main Geophysical Observatory. The quality of functioning of the entire system is under operational control based on observations obtained from the OMI satellite equipment (NASA, the United States). The basic TO observation data for each month of the second quarter of 2011 and for the quarter as a whole are generalized. The results are also considered of regular surface ozone observations having been conducted by the CAO in the forest area of Moscow since 1991 that characterize the surface ozone state in the central Russian region.

Ozone content over the Russian federation in the first quarter of 2011

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the total ozone (TO) monitoring in the CIS and Baltic countries functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data from the national network with M-124 filter ozonometers under methodological supervision of the Main Geophysical Observatory. The quality of functioning of the entire system is under operational control based on observations obtained from the OMI satellite equipment (NASA, the United States). The basic TO observation data for each month of the first quarter of 2011 and for the quarter as a whole are generalized. Preliminary estimates of a large ozone anomaly in the Russian Arctic region are under consideration. The information about the surface ozone observations in the central Russian region is also considered.

Ozone content over the Russian federation in 2010

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the total ozone (TO) monitoring system in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data from the national network of filter ozonometers M-124 type under supervision of the Main Geophysical Observatory (MGO). The proper operation of the entire system is under an operational control from observations with the OMI satellite (US NASA) equipment. Basic TO observation data for each month of the fourth quarter of 2010, for the quarter and the year as a whole are generalized. Peculiarities of the Spring Antarctic Ozone Anomaly development in 2010 are described. Basic results of regular observations of the surface ozone and other minor atmospheric gas components in the Moscow region in 2010 are also under consideration.

Ozone content over the Russian federation in the third quarter of 2010

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the total ozone (TO) monitoring system in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data from the national network of M-124 filter ozonometers under supervision of the Main Geophysical Observatory (MGO); the proper operation of the entire system is under an operational control from observations with the OMI satellite (US NASA) equipment. Basic TO observations data for each month of the third quarter of 2010 and for the quarter as a whole are generalized. Basic results of regular observations of the surface ozone content in Moscow and in other regions of Russia and the Ukraine characterizing to a great extent the surface air quality in these regions are under consideration.

An experience of participation of Russian specialists in international programs on atmospheric balloon investigations

The participation of Russian specialists in the international programs on balloon investigations of the ozone layer in the Arctic and in midlatitudes has been carried out since 1991. The specialists of Roshydromet took part in the organization and implementation of investigations in the Arctic and in midlatitudes within 11 projects as well as in tropical balloon campaigns. During this period, 42 balloon flights of different types were organized on the territory of Russia for the purpose of the measurement of atmospheric characteristics, of the validation of satellite device data, of the test of prototypes of future satellite meters. Besides, the investigations of ozone, water vapor, and aerosol content were carried out in various geographical zones (Hayes and Dickson islands, Salekhard, Yakutsk) using the small-volume balloons. The optical fluorescent hygrometer of the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO) is considered as one of the best instruments to measure the atmospheric humidity. Taking account of the reliability and accuracy of the measurements carried out, the values of the water vapor mixing ratio in the winter polar cyclone obtained with this hygrometer can be considered as the reference data.

Ozone content over the Russian federation in the second quarter of 2010

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the total ozone (TO) monitoring system in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data from the national network of M-124 filter ozonometers under supervision of the Main Geophysical Observatory (MGO); the proper operation of the entire system is under operational control from observations with the OMI satellite (US NASA) equipment. Basic TO observations data for each month of the second quarter of 2010 and for the quarter as a whole are generalized. Basic results of regular observations of the surface ozone content in the Moscow region from the GPU Mosekomonitoring are also considered.

Ozone content over the Russian federation in 2009

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the total ozone (TO) monitoring system in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data from the national network of filter ozonometers, M-124 type under supervision of the Main Geophysical Observatory (MGO). The proper operation of the entire system is under an operational control from observations with the OMI satellite equipment (US NASA). Basic TO observation data for each month of the fourth quarter of 2009 and for the quarter and the year as a whole are generalized. The data on the development of the Spring Antarctic Ozone Anomaly are presented. The results of regular observations of the surface ozone in the Moscow region and in Kiev are considered.

Ozone content over the Russian Federation in the third quarter of 2009

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the total ozone (TO) monitoring system in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data from the national network of type M-124 filter ozonometers under control of the Main Geophysical Observatory (MGO); the proper operation of the entire system is under an operational control from observations with the OMI satellite (US NASA) equipment. Basic TO observations data for each month of the third quarter of 2009 and for the quarter as a whole are generalized. Results of regular observations of the surface ozone content carried out by the CAO in the Moscow park zone are considered; they characterize to a great extent the air quality in the surface layer of the Moscow region.

Ozone content over the Russian Federation in the first quarter of 2009

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the total ozone (TO) monitoring system in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The TO monitoring system uses the data from the national network of filter ozonometers type M-124 under control of the Main Geophysical Observatory (MGO). The proper operation of the entire system is under an operational control from observation with the OMI satellite (US NASA) equipment. Basic TO observations data for each month of the first quarter of 2009 and for a quarter as a whole are generalized. Results of regular observations of the surface ozone content in the Moscow region are also presented.

Ozone content over the Russian Federation in 2008

Areview is compiled based on the results of the system of monitoring total ozone (TO) over the CIS and Baltic countries that is operated in real time at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The TO monitoring system uses the data from the national M-124 filter ozonometer network operated under the methodological guidance of the Main Geophysical Observatory. The performance of the system as a whole is operationally verified against the OMI satellite (US NASA) observations. The main TO observational data are summarized for each month of the fourth quarter of 2008, for a quarter, and a year as a whole. Data on the Spring Antarctic Ozone Anomaly in 2008 are presented. Results of regular surface ozone observations in the Moscow region and in Kiev are also considered.

Temperature stratification and altitude ozone variability in the low troposphere from acoustic and balloon sounding

Results of simultaneous balloon and acoustic sounding in the lower troposphere (in the surface layer up to 800 m) carried out in Velikie Luki in May–June 2002 jointly by the Moscow State University (MSU) and Central Aerological Observatory (CAO) are discussed. During the experiment, the tethered (captive) balloon for measuring air temperature and ozone partial pressure was ascended and descended 15 times. Simultaneously, gradient measurements were performed at a 4-m tower. During the intervals between ascents, the temperature stratification was determined by using the Ekho-1 sodar data. A dominating influence of temperature stratification and of some weather events on the ozone distribution with altitude is shown. In case of unstable stratification, its partial pressure is almost unchanged within the entire lower troposphere; in case of surface inversion, the ozone decrease is observed near the surface. In case of elevated inversion the ozone partial pressure is almost the same both below inversion and above it; in the layer of the inversion itself, it increases spasmodically with the altitude. Synoptic conditions largely influence the stratification regime: under conditions of the Arctic air mass, the thermal convection is observed more often and surface inversions are observed more rarely than when the local mass dominates. Artificial dynamic mixing can lead to the surface inversion dissipation in several minutes.

Ozone content over the Russian Federation in the third quarter of 2008

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the Total Ozone (TO) Monitoring System in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data obtained from the national network of filter ozonometers, M-124 type, which is under methodological supervision of the Main Geophysical Observatory; proper operation of the system is under operational control based on observations obtained from the OMI satellite equipment (U.S. NASA). The basic TO observation data for each month of the third quarter of 2008 and for a whole quarter are generalized. Results of regular surface ozone observations, carried out by the CAO in the Moscow park zone that largely characterize the air quality in the surface layer of the Moscow region in a warm season are also considered.

Ozone content over the Russian federation in the first quarter of 2008

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the Total Ozone (TO) Monitoring System in the CIS countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data from the national network of filter ozonometers, type M-124; the proper operation of the system is confirmed by the results of comparison with the TO fields obtained from observations with the OMI satellite (US NASA) equipment. The TO observation data for each month of the first quarter of 2008 and for a quarter as a whole are generalized. Results of regular surface ozone observations that have been carried out by the CAO in the Moscow park zone since 1991 and that characterize the surface ozone state in the Moscow region are also considered.

Ozone content over the Russian federation in 2007

The review is compiled based on the results of the operational of the Total Ozone (TO) Monitoring System in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). Basic TO observational data for each month of the fourth quarter of 2007 and for the year as a whole are summarized. Long-term TO changes at Russian stations are compared with similar changes at two foreign stations in the temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Data on the spring Antarctic ozone anomaly of 2007 are considered. Results of regular observations of surface ozone concentration in the Moscow region are also presented.

Ozone content over the Russian federation territory in the first quarter of 2007

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the Total Ozone (TO) Monitoring System in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system uses the data from the national network of M-124 filter ozonometers, operated under the methodological control of the Main Geophysical Observatory (MGO). The quality control of the entire system is performed in real time based on the observations with the satellite OMI equipment. The basic results of TO observations for each month of the second quarter of 2007 and for a quarter as a whole are summarized. Results of regular surface ozone observations that have been carried out by CAO in the Moscow park zone since 1991 and that characterize the surface ozone state in Central Russia are also considered.

The FLASH instrument for water vapor measurements on board the high-altitude airplane

A fluorescent airborne stratospheric hygrometer (FLASH) for precise water vapor measurements on board a high-altitude airplane in the upper troposphere and the lower stratosphere has been developed and produced at the Central Aerological Observatory. The range of measured water vapor concentrations is 0.5–300 ppmv at altitudes of 8–21 km. The results of laboratory tests of the instrument are compared to the data of the other hygrometers. Some results of water vapor measurements on board the Geofizika M55 high-altitude airplane in different regions of the Earth are presented.

Ozone content over the Russian federation territory in 2006

The review is compiled based on the results of the operation of the Total Ozone (TO) Monitoring System in the CIS and Baltic countries, functioning in the operational regime at the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO). The monitoring system used the data from the national network of filter ozonometers, type M-124, operating under the methodological control of the Main Geophysical Observatory (MGO). The quality control of the entire system is performed based on the observations with the satellite OMI (NASA) equipment. The basic results of TO observations for each month of the fourth quarter of 2006 and for a year as a whole are generalized. Results of regular surface ozone observations in the Moscow region are considered as well.

Contribution of different scales to integral moisture transport based on aircraft observations over the Sea of Japan

Based on the Joint Research Agreement between the Central Aerological Observatory of the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (CAO), and the Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST) of Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST), a Russian research aircraft, IL-18, was employed to carry out investigations of the structure and formation/development mechanisms of mesoscale convective systems over the Sea of Japan area in January–February 2001. Vertical moisture transport was one of the subjects of the experiment. To study it, the instruments installed on board the aircraft measured the oscillations of the vertical wind component w′ and absolute air humidity ρ′. The vertical moisture transport was analyzed by an eddy correlation method using the formula Q= w′ρ′ . The technique was modified to determine the transport in a wider scale range, from 10 m to 50 km (0.1–500 s). In the course of the experiment, an inflow of cold dry air from the continent (the Siberian area) was observed. As the air mass was moving towards Japan, it was getting warmer and more humidified due to heat and moisture exchange with the open surface of the Sea of Japan. The cloud streets formed testify to the presence of roll circulation. The mean integral moisture transport has proved to be about 0.07 g/m 2 s. Spectral analysis has revealed the following three scales by their input to moisture transport: 10–1000 m (turbulence), 1000–3000 m (convective cell), 3–10 km (convective body). Larger scales do not make any considerable input. At a 100-m altitude, the contributions of all the three scales under consideration are equal, while at 500 m, the role of the largest one becomes more prominent. The share of turbulent flux is 1/3 and 1/6 at 100 and 500 m, respectively. In the space structure of moisture transport obtained for altitudes of 100 and 500 m, 25-km features were detected, which were associated with the position of cloud streets that had formed at an altitude of 1000–1500 m. These features can be accounted for by roll circulation (horizontal roll vortices, organized roll vortices). A comparison of heat and moisture transports (in terms of sensible and latent heat fluxes) has indicated that their ratio at a 100-m altitude is close to 2, and at 500 m to 1. The difference between the values of the transport at the two altitudes agrees with the estimates of horizontal heat and moisture advection.

Microphysical properties of continental clouds from in situ measurements

AbstractIt is important to gain knowledge about the microphysical characteristics of continental clouds in order to properly understand their formation, their radiative properties and their ability to produce precipitation. Satellites to remotely sense cloud properties, and cloud interactions with aircraft that fly through them require knowledge of cloud microphysics. Moreover, numerical simulations of global climate are sensitive to small systematic changes in cloud optical properties, but very few large datasets are available that document the characteristics of continental clouds. This paper summarizes 9 x 104 km of in‐cloud measurements made by the Central Aerological Observatory over the former USSR during 1977‐84. Statistical characteristics of total water content (W), extinction coefficient (β), effective diameter (Deff) and effective concentration (Neff) are summarized as functions of temperature and cloud type, for measurements archived at 700 m horizontal resolution. The effect of threshold sensitivity, or cloud definition, on the statistical distributions is discussed. Decreases of W, β and Neff with colder temperatures are consistent with our general knowledge of cloud formation. For all temperature intervals and cloud types, correlations between pairs of W, β and Deff are too small thereby barring any hope of simple linear parametrizations. Differences in W, β, Deff and Neff for the various cloud types indicate changes in cloud formation mechanisms. These data can assist in verification studies of cloud parametrization schemes in general‐circulation models, numerical weather‐prediction models, and cloud‐resolving models. The problems of cloud type, scale averaging, variability over a model grid cell, distribution of water between the liquid and ice phase, and the lumping together of precipitating and non‐precipitating clouds must be considered in these studies.