Global observations of middle atmospheric water vapour by the Odin satellite: An overview

Computer Science

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

20

Scientific paper

Water vapour plays an important role for the chemistry and dynamics of the atmosphere. It is a strong greenhouse gas in the troposphere and contributes to cooling in the stratosphere. As the main source of chemically active HOx radicals, it is linked to many photo-chemical cycles controlling the composition of the middle atmosphere. In order to improve our knowledge of the amount and variability of water in the middle atmosphere, the Sub-Millimetre Radiometer (SMR) on board the Odin satellite, launched in February 2001, observes several thermal emission lines of water vapour in the 486 581 GHz spectral range from the Earth's limb. Bands centred at 488.9 and 490.4 GHz are used to study water vapour and its isotopes, on the basis of four observation days per month. Vertical profiles of H2O16, H2O18, and HDO are retrieved between roughly 20 and 70 km in the stratosphere and mesosphere. A strong water vapour line at 556.9 GHz is simultaneously measured in a second band, providing information in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere between about 40 and 100 km. Measurements of H2O17 at 552.0 GHz in monthly intervals complete the picture of middle atmospheric water vapour provided by Odin/SMR. The measurements of the isotope HDO in the 20 70 km altitude range allow to study the isotopic ratio of deuterium in stratospheric water vapour (D/H), potentially supplying information on the origin of stratospheric water vapour: transport of tropospheric air through the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) versus in situ chemical production such as from methane oxidation. The unique measurements of the molecules H2O18 and H2O17 containing heavy isotopes of oxygen may provide a crucial test for our understanding of the complex chemical reaction mechanisms controlling the exchange of oxygen between water vapour and ozone.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Global observations of middle atmospheric water vapour by the Odin satellite: An overview does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Global observations of middle atmospheric water vapour by the Odin satellite: An overview, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Global observations of middle atmospheric water vapour by the Odin satellite: An overview will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1328023

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.