Temperature and ozone variations in the stratosphere

Examined are temperature and ozone variations in the Northern Hemisphere stratosphere during the period 1958–77, as estimated from radiosondes rocketsondes, ozonesondes, and Umkehr measurements. The temperature variation in the low tropical stratosphere is a combination of the variation associated with the quasi-biennial oscillation, and a variation nearly out of phase with the pronounced 3-yearly temperature oscillation (Southern Oscillation) present in the tropical troposphere since 1963. Based on radiosonde and rocketsonde data, the quasibiennial temperature oscillation can be traced as high as the stratopause, the phase varying with both height and latitude. However, the rocketsonde-derived temperature decrease of several degrees Celsius in the 25–55 km layer of the Western Hemisphere between 1969 (sunspot maximum) and 1976 (sunspot minimum) is not apparent in high-level radiosonde data, so that caution is advised with respect to a possible solar-terrestrial relation.There has been a strong quasi-biennial oscillation in ozone in the 8–16 km layer of the north polar region, with ozone minimum near the time of quasi-biennial west wind maximum at a height of 20 km in the tropics. A quasi-biennial oscillation in ozone (of similar phase) is also apparent from both ozonesonde data and Umkehr measurements in 8–16 and 16–24 km layers of north temperate latitudes, but not higher up. Both measurement techniques also suggest a slight overall ozone decrease in the same layers between 1969 and 1976, but no overall ozone change in the 24–32 km layer. Umkehr measurements indicate a significant 6–8% increase in ozone amount in all stratospheric layers between 1964 and 1970, and in 1977 the ozone amount in the 32–46 km layer was still 4% above average despite the predicted depletion due to fluorocarbon emissions. The decrease in ozone in the 32–46 km, layer of mid latitudes following the volcanic eruptions of Agung and Fuego is believed to be mostly fictitious and due to the bias introduced into the Umkehr technique by stratospheric aerosols of volcanic origin. Above-average water vapor amounts in the low stratosphere at Washington, DC, appear closely related to warm tropospheric temperatures in the tropics, presumably reflecting variations in strength of the Hadley circulation.     

Estimate of the effect of the 11-year solar activity cycle on the ozone content in the stratosphere

Using spectral, cross-spectral, and regression methods, we analyzed the effect of the 11-year cycle of solar activity on the ozone content in the stratosphere and lower mesosphere via satellite measurement data obtained with the help of SBUV/SBUV2 instruments in 1978–2003. We revealed a high coherence between the ozone content and solar activity level on the solar cycle scale. In much of this area, the ozone content varies approximately in phase with the solar cycle; however, in areas of significant gradients of ozone mixing ratio in the middle stratosphere, the phase shift between ozone and solar oscillations can be considerable, up to π/2. This can be caused by dynamical processes. The altitude maxima of ozone sensitivity to the 11-year solar cycle were found in the upper vicinity of the stratopause (50–55 km), in the middle stratosphere (35–40 km), and the lower stratosphere (below 25 km). Maximal changes in ozone content in the solar cycle (up to 10% and more) were found in winter and spring in polar regions.     

Ozone and temperature change in the winter stratosphere

Summary In an experiment to study the correlation between temperature and ozone in the disturbed winter atmosphere, two rocket-borne ozonesondes were flown during a time in which the temperature structure, in the stratosphere and lower mesosphere changed at certain altitudes from the previous day. The resulting ozone and temperature distribution, as compared to distribution on the control day at the end of the winter season, showed variations during the time the atmosphere was disturbed. These variations may be explained by considering the temperature-dependence of reaction rates for an oxygen atmosphere.     

Atmospheric ozone and the movement of the air in the stratosphere

Using over 2200 ozonesonde ascents, published byHering andBorden [1]–[5] and byDütsch et al. [6], [7], the average vertical distribution of the ozone mixing ratio is found for different latitudes and for different seasons up to a height of 30 km. The method by which the ozone formed at great heights in low latitudes becomes concentrated in the lower stratosphere of high latitudes is discussed, and the meridional circulation theory is strongly suggested.Oxford, May 1972.     

Nonlinear behavior on an ozone photochemical system in the stratosphere

A nonlinear box system describing ozone photochemistry in the stratosphere is presented. Influences of pollutants, such as odd chlorine (Cl_x) and odd nitrogen (NO_x) discharged by human activities, on photochemical states of the system are investigated in detail. The results show that the solutions of the box system constitute a ‘cusp’ catastrophe manifold in the state-parameter space. An increase of about 30% for Cl_x source strength or a decrease of about 30% for NO_x source strength from their current level may lead to catastrophic transition and results in a reduction of ozone concentration about 50 times. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Laboratory for Aeronomy and Global Environmental Observation of IAP.     

Influence of the vertical motion field on ozone concentration in the stratosphere

Computations of the mean meridional motion field in the stratosphere are applied to ozone distributions to evaluate the associated ozone concentration changes. These changes are compared with those produced by photochemical and quasi-horizontal eddy processes. For the period January–April 1964 there is a cooperative action between the mean and eddy motions with mean subsidence in middle latitudes supplying ozone to be carried polawards and equatorwards by quasi-horizontal eddy processes. At low latitudes mean horizontal motions offset the eddy transport while at high latitudes mean rising motion is the offsetting term. The mean ozone flux through 50 mb, 3.5×10²⁹ molecules sec^–1, is comparable with the fluxes evaluated by other techniques.The spring maximum is thought to be due to a modulation of the energy supply to the stratospheric eddies which, in turn, force the mean motions. Longer-term changes are to be expected; for example during Ice Ages when increased tropospheric eddy activity is anticipated there should be higher total ozone.     

Solar response in the vertical structure of ozone and temperature in the tropical stratosphere

The aim of the present paper is to study the solar response in the vertical structure of ozone and temperature over the Indian tropical region and a search for any mutual relationship between their solar coefficients on a decadal scale in the lower stratosphere. For the purpose, the data obtained by ozonesonde and Umkehr methods for the lower stratospheric ozone and that of the total ozone amount from Dobson spectrophotometer during the period 1979–2001 have been analyzed. These data are analyzed using the multi-functional regression model, which takes into account most of the known natural and anthropogenic signals. The NCEP- and MSU-satellite data for the temperature over this region have been used. Results indicate an in-phase correlation of around 0.5 between ozone and solar flux (F10.7) in the vertical structure over the equatorial station, Trivandrum (8.3°N) but no significant correlation over Pune (18.3°N). The solar components of ozone and temperature indicate an in-phase but poor correlation in the lower stratospheric altitudes over both stations. However, when total ozone content data is analyzed, it indicates a very high correlation (⩾0.9) between the solar components of ozone and temperature. The solar trend in the vertical distribution of ozone is found to be of the order of 5–25% per 100 units of F10.7 solar flux for Trivandrum but it is relatively smaller (1.6–15.2%) over Pune. The solar dependence of temperature is found to be quite significant for the entire Indian tropical region with not much latitudinal variation.     

Possible correlation between ozone and aitken nuclei counts in the lower stratosphere

A study is presented of a possible correlation between ozone and Aitken nuclei concentration measured between 6 km and 19 km by the instruments installed on the WB-57F aircraft. Samples were taken between 48°N and 9°S latitudes over the U.S., the Gulf of Mexico, and Central and South America between March 1974 and February 1975.A weak negative correlation between AN and ozone concentrations was found at altitudes higher than the tropical tropopause. Scattering of the signs and magnitudes of correlation coefficients was found below the tropopause. Largest variations of the coefficient values were related to the stratospheric pollution following the eruption of the Guatemalan volcano Fuego.     

Experimental errors of measurements of vertical geomagnetic gradients in the stratosphere

The errors of measurements of vertical geomagnetic gradients at altitudes of 20–40 km, using a balloon magnetic gradiometer with a 6-km-long measuring base oriented along gravity, have been studied in the work. The errors related to the deviation of the measuring base position relative to the vertical have been studied during the real balloon flight with the help of the navigation GPS receivers. The deviations of the measuring base within 5°, which can sometimes reach 15°, have been obtained. This results in a decrease in the magnetic gradient measurement accuracy due to the errors introduced in the specification of the normal magnetic field used to detect magnetic anomalies. To eliminate this error, a GPS receiver was built in each magnetometer in order to observe magnetometers during synchronous measurements and to correct the measurements for the normal magnetic field. It has been indicated that the effect of deviations of the measuring base position on the results is not more than 2% of the measured value at such organization of a gradiometer.     

Rayleigh lidar temperature measurements in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere

A single-wavelength Rayleigh lidar system has been used to measure the temperatures in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere in the night in the altitude range from about 8 to $\text{30}\text{km}$. The temperature derivation is based on an inversion algorithm of the pure Rayleigh backscatter. Calculations include the derivation of the air molecular concentration by an iterative method and the backscattered signals corrected by the background aerosol, which is now found to be low and stable. The uncertainties in estimating the temperature using this method are discussed in detail.The temperature profiles and the tropopause characteristics derived by using the lidar measurements are compared with the radiosonde data. Good agreement is found between these two measurements revealing the potential of this method. The comparison with radiosonde data shows that the lidar measured tropopause temperature is lower by $\text{0.8±1.5}\text{K}$ and the tropopause height is higher by $\text{0.45±0.8}\text{km}$ than the radiosonde measurements. The climatology of local tropopause (24.57°N,121.13°E) is briefly discussed in terms of a double tropopause formation and seasonal variations of the tropopause height and temperature.     

Effect of photoelectric emission on blunt probe conductivity measurements in the stratosphere

Two identical planar blunt probes of stainless steel material, biased with a bipolar ramp voltage, are used to measure the stratospheric polar conductivities to altitudes of 34 km. One probe (DP) is mounted closer to the gondola, looking downwards and shielded from sunlight, while the other (SP) is mounted looking sideways, away from the gondola. The daytime observations of positive ions in the 29–34 km altitude range with SP, and of negative ions at 34 km with DP, show photoelectric contaminations induced by solar UV radiations in the 190–230 nm band. These contaminations are found to be due to photoemissions from the SP probe steel surface and from the carbon paint that coats the surface of the gondola, respectively. It is found that, a segment of the photocurrent contaminated I–V curve, recorded with SP at higher negative probe potentials, is linear, and it can give the ambient positive polar conductivity.     

On the theoretical model for vertical ozone density distributions in the mesosphere and upper stratosphere

Diurnal variations in the vertical ozone density distribution have been calculated for the height range 40–150 km by extending our existing computer programs. The steady-state profiles were first calculated for fifteen constituents in the original program and three additional constituents (CH₄, CO and CO₂); the result was used as the initial condition for the time-dependent solution. The profile of the eddy diffusion coefficient used in this study was determined by comparing the model profile with the observations for CH₄, whose density distribution is verysenstive to the eddy diffusion coefficient The effects of hydrogen and nitrogen compounds on the ozone density are discussed somewhat quantitatively; they reduce the ozone density mainly in the mesosphere and stratosphere, respectively. Special attention is given to the large depression of the ozone density at around 70–85 km, which has been obtained in many theoretical models but has neither been explained nor definitely confirmed by observations. Our time-dependent model indicates that the depression develops at night by the effect of hydrogen-oxygen and nitrogen-oxygen reactions and of eddy diffusion transports. The latter effect also produces an increase of the ozone density after midnight at some heights in the depression region.     

Total ozone measurements in cloudy weather

Obtaining an accurate, value for total ozone under a cloudy sky, especially when the sun is not high, is a major remaining problem associated with total ozone measurements. The Toronto spectrophotometer has been designed with this in mind. It has been fitted with a polarizing prism, and measures light at four wavelengths simultaneous which makes it possible to obtain two independent double ratios. Clouds produce two effects on ozone measurements; the first is purely an optical effect which causes an apparent increase in ozone, the second is most likely a real increase in ozone associated with large cumulus-type clouds. By considering the three following points it is possible to distinguish between these two cloud effects and probably measure the true total ozone for solar zenith angles less than 80°: 1. The multiply scattered component of polarized light is used to reduce optical cloud variance. This makes all skies appear like thick coulds. 2. A double difference similar to the AD method is used but the two ratios of the double difference are weighted inversely with(= ₁ - ₂ for a pair). This further reduces the optical effects of clouds. 3. Real ozone increases due to large clouds are verified by comparing the increase of ozone obtained from one double difference to that of another. Differences between this multiply, polarized curve and the direct sun curve will be given, and a technique to obtain an accurate value of total ozone under all sky conditions, provided that the solar zenith angle is less than 80°, will be given.     

Low-latitude total ozone measurements in the Brazilian sector

Regular measurements of the atmospheric ozone in the Brazilian sector were started at Cachoeira Paulista (22.7°S, 45.0°W), and Natal (5.8°S, 35.2°W) in May 1974 and November 1978, respectively. The results of the total ozone measurements carried out at these two stations up to 1981 are presented in this communication and compared with other low-and mid-latitude stations. Although Natal is an equatorial station, it presents a prominent annual variation, and the average total ozone content is high compared to satellite measurements. During 1977–78, abnormally low values of total ozone were observed at Cachoeira Paulista. Some preliminary results about the QBO 9quasi-biennial oscillation) during 1974–81 are also presented.     

A note on the Aitken nuclei and ion flow measurements in the lower stratosphere

In the light of new measurements of small aerosol particles in the lower stratosphere, some of the old investigations—which were only published in part in scientific journals—are reviewed and compared. The discussion focuses on whether the Aitken nuclei (AN) size distribution up to 20 km can be described by Junge’s or log-normal density functions and under what circumstances one can find a bimodal distribution of these particles. The ion flow in correlated to the stratospheric pollution (intercept with the jet aircraft, volcanic activity) and is, in mean, directly proportional to the aircraft altitude in the undisturbed lower stratosphere. Note: The GCCPR, Univ. Missouri at Rolla, reports quoted in the article can be obtained from the author.     

The QBO effect on the solar signal in the global stratosphere in the winter of the Northern Hemisphere

This paper contains correlations between the NCEP/NCAR global stratospheric data below 10 hPa and the 11-year solar cycle. In the north summer the correlations between the stratospheric geopotential heights and the 11-year solar cycle are strong and positive on the Northern Hemisphere and as far south as 30°S, whereas they are weak in the north winter all over the globe. If the global stratospheric heights and temperatures in the north winter are stratified according to the phase of the QBO in the lower stratosphere, their correlations with the solar cycle are large and positive in the Arctic in the west years of the QBO but insignificantly small over the rest of the earth, as far as the South Pole. In the east years, however, the arctic correlations with the solar cycle are negative, but to the south they are positive and strong in the tropical and temperate regions of both hemispheres, similar to the correlations with the full series of stratospheric data in the other seasons. The influence of the solar cycle in the Arctic is stronger in the latter half of the winter. The global difference, in the northern winter, in the sign and strength of the correlations between the stratospheric heights and temperatures and the solar cycle in east and west years of the QBO can be ascribed to the fact that the dominant stratospheric teleconnection and the solar influence work in the same direction in the east years, but oppose each other in the west years.     

Isotopic exchange between carbon dioxide and ozone via O(1D) in the stratosphere

We propose a novel mechanism for isotopic exchange between CO2 and O3 via O(1D) + CO2 --> CO3* followed by CO3* --> CO2 + O(3P). A one-dimensional model calculation shows that this mechanism can account for the enrichment in 18O in the stratospheric CO2 observed by Gamo et al. [1989], using the heavy O3 profile observed by Mauersberger [1981]. The implications of this mechanism for other stratospheric species and as a source of isotopically heavy CO2 in the troposphere are briefly discussed.     

对流层-平流层之间过渡层中臭氧含量及其加热率的变化研究

利用1958~2001年共44年的ECMWF资料及参数化方法,计算了对流层顶上、下3 km气层间的臭氧含量及其吸收太阳辐射加热率的时空分布.结果表明: (1) 臭氧分布的空间梯度从赤道指向两极,而加热率则是分别由高纬和低纬指向副热带,这样的经向梯度可能是驱动对流层顶结构变化的一种重要因素;两者空间分布的季节变化显著,但其对应关系并不完全一致,1月和4月的空间结构与7月和10月的相反,随季节调整具有突变现象;东亚及青藏高原是季节变化相对稳定的区域.(2) 在热带对流层顶控制区加热率与臭氧含量呈正相关,而极地对流层顶控制区各季节有所不同,还与太阳赤纬变化相关联;各纬度间加热率季节变化的位相和变率都存在差异,但南半球相对较为一致,最大距平为±2×10-4 K·d-1,北半球则较复杂,最大正距平为4×1010-4 K·d-1;两半球的季节周期位相趋于相反.(3) 除赤道外,臭氧距平的季节变化位相超前于加热率距平2~3月,并且发生在季节变化的调整期;最大距平出现在南极的8月大于0.4 DU,3~4月则小于-0.2 DU,而北极为±0.2 DU.(4) 臭氧含量和加热率的年际与年代际演变关系对应一致,并具有多尺度的结构特征;但两半球及赤道的时空演变差异明显,30° S~30° N间副热带控制区的加热率变幅剧烈,最大距平为±2.5×10-4 K·d-1,高纬和两极的变幅在不同演变期各不相同;臭氧的变幅结构与之相反,北极的最大距平分别大于0.25 DU和小于-0.35 DU.(5) 20世纪70年代以前及70年代中期,两半球的正负距平具有相反的演变结构,而90年代是负距平演变最剧烈的时期.     

Influence of strong sudden stratospheric warmings on ozone in the middle stratosphere according to millimeter wave observations

This paper reports the study data on variations in the ozone content in the middle stratosphere over Moscow based on millimeter wavelength observations during a range of midwinter sudden stratospheric warmings that occurred in the past two decades. The relation of ozone with planetary waves and the intensity of the polar stratospheric vortex has been established. The ozone vertical distribution has been monitored with a highly sensitive spectrometer with a two-millimeter wave band. The discovered phenomena of a relatively long-term lower ozone content in December in the considered cold half-year periods are related to the higher amplitude of the planetary wave with n = 1. Such phenomena preceded the development of strong midwinter stratospheric warmings, which, in turn, were accompanied by a significant increase in the ozone content in January. This ozone enrichment was related to the lower amplitude of the wave with n = 1 and higher amplitude of the wave with n = 2 and was accompanied by geopotential H _c.v. growth in the polar vortex center. Specific features of variations in the ozone content under the influence of the major atmospheric processes are observed not only in certain cold half-year periods but are also well seen in the general averaged pattern for winters with strong stratospheric warmings.     

Problems of standardization of total ozone measurements

Pure and Applied Geophysics -