Ozone profile retrieval from limb scatter measurements in the HARTLEY bands: methodology, algorithm description, sensitivity studies, and validation

Abstract

SCIAMACHY limb scatter spectra have been used to retrieve atmospheric ozone profiles in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere. Through a selection of the wavelengths in the Hartley bands of ozone, profiles extending to 60 or 70 km altitude were retrieved. This constitutes the highest possible ozone profile information retrieval 5 using the backscatter technique. Comparisons with profiles measured by a ground based radiometer in Norway, MI-PAS on board Envisat, HALOE on UARS and MLS on AURA indicate a good agreement of the ozone profiles in the upper stratosphere within 10 % but also an increasing over-estimation above 50 to 55 km. 10