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Low Ozone over Europe Doesn't Mean the Sky Is Falling, Its Actually RisingData Sources: NASA Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) (O3 profiles and columns), NASA Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) Chemistry and Transport Model (calculated O3depletion), and MERRA Tropopause Heights. Technical Description of Figures: The left graphics show MLS northern hemisphere stratospheric column ozone on Feb. 1, 2016. Very low columns are seen over the UK and Europe (<225 DU, inside dashed circle). The lower graphic shows the GMI-calculated O3 depletion. It's very small, suggesting the low O3 does not indicate significant depletion. The right graphics show how the high tropopause height in this region explains the observed low ozone. The lower panel shows that the high tropopause on Feb. 1 lifts the O3 profile compared to a typical profile found earlier in winter. This motion lifts the profile to lower pressures thus reducing the total column. The GMI Model shows only 4 Dobson Units (DU) of O3 depletion even though the column is more than 100 DU lower than one month earlier. Scientific significant and societal relevance: To quantitatively understand anthropogenic impacts to the stratospheric ozone layer, we must be able to distinguish between low ozone caused by ozone depleting substances and that caused by natural dynamical variability in the atmosphere. Observations and realistic simulations of atmospheric composition are both required in order to separate natural and anthropogenic ozone variability.
Document ID
20160010455
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Strahan, Susan
(Universities Space Research Association Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Newman, Paul
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Steenrod, Stephen
(Universities Space Research Association Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2016
Publication Date
July 25, 2016
Subject Category
Geosciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN34272
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG11HP16A
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG11HP16A
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
Stratospheric
Manmade substances
Low Ozone
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