NO2 Column Abundance Measurements and Trace Gas Chemistry Regulating Arctic Stratospheric Ozone Abundance

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A9302348 Knut The aim of this research is to investigate the role of stratospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on the ozone chemistry and abundance. The researchers will measure NO2 column densities at two high-latitude sites in the northern hemisphere using twilight absorption spectroscopy in the wavelength range 430-450 nm where NO2 has appreciable absorption features. One of these sites (Svalbard, Norway, 78 degrees N) is expected to be inside the polar vortex more frequently than the other (Fairbanks, Alaska, 65 degrees N). The measurements will be conducted on a continuous basis providing a baseline for NO2 abundance under perturbed as well as unperturbed stratospheric conditions. This set of measurements will allow these researchers to study differences in NO2 climatology between the two sites and relate the NO2 abundance to stratospheric ozone content, temperature, and circulation. Radiative transfer modeling including the effects of spherical geometry and refraction in the presence of cloud and aerosol layers will be used to construct synthetic spectra that will allow them to study the sensitivity of the retrieved NO2 abundance to cloud and aerosol effects as well as the feasibility of retrieving NO2 vertical profiles.