N[sub 2]O as an indicator of Arctic vortex dynamics: Correlations with O[sub 3] over Thule, Greenland in February and March, 1992

Journal Article · Wed Jun 22 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/93GL01054· OSTI ID:6576745

Emmons, L K; Reeves, J M; Shindell, D T; Zafra, R.L. de ^[1]

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1. State Univ. of New York, Stony Brook, NY (United States)

The authors have recovered vertical profiles of stratospheric N[sub 2]O from spectra observed using a ground-based mm-wave spectrometer during the Arctic spring. The measurements were made from Thule, Greenland (76.3[degrees]N, 68.4[degrees]W) on nine occasions from late February to late March, 1992 as part of the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) Correlative Measurements Program and the European Arctic Stratospheric Ozone Experiment (EASOE). During late February Thule was under the inside edge of the Arctic vortex and mixing ratio profiles measured in that period are substantially reduced from typical high-latitude summer values. By late March the polar vortex had moved well away from Thule and N[sub 2]O mixing ratios were greatly increased, coinciding with a basic change in circulation that brought in air from the Aleutian high. The motion of the vortex is also illustrated in the change in potential vorticity above Thule. A correlation with ozone balloonsonde data from Thule is made and compared to similar analyses of the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition (AASE) measurements. Within the sensitivity of the authors' analysis, the correlation of N[sub 2]O and O[sub 3] show no evidence of ozone depletion within the vortex during this period; however, there is a distinct difference in the correlation inside and outside the vortex. 13 refs., 5 figs.

• OSTI ID: 6576745
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 21:13; ISSN GPRLAJ; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ARCTIC REGIONS
CHALCOGENIDES
CORRELATIONS
CRYOSPHERE
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
GREENLAND
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
NITROUS OXIDE
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
OZONE
POLAR REGIONS
STRATOSPHERE
VORTICES