An improved OSIRIS NO2 profile retrieval in the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere and intercomparison with ACE-FTS and SAGE III/ISS

Abstract

Abstract. The v7.2 NO2 retrieval for the Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imager System (OSIRIS) was designed to improve sensitivity in the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS) and to reduce an observed low bias in the previous version, v6.0. The details of this retrieval are described and then the data are compared to coincident NO2 profiles from the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment–Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) and the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III on the International Space Station (SAGE III/ISS). The PRATMO photochemical box model was used to account for differences in the measurement times of the instruments: all datasets were scaled to the same local solar time of 12:00 LST. Coincident ACE-FTS and OSIRIS NO2 measurements agree within 20 % throughout much of the stratosphere. Coincident SAGE III/ISS and OSIRIS NO2 measurements also agree within 20  %, with OSIRIS biased low at all altitudes and latitudes. The ACE-FTS, OSIRIS, and SAGE III-ISS NO2 monthly zonal mean data show very similar variability in time at most altitude and latitudes.