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At least 451 records · Page 25

Using Regionalized Air Quality Model Performance and Bayesian Maximum Entropy Data Fusion to Map Global Surface Ozone Concentration and Associated Uncertainty

Estimates of ground-level ozone concentrations have been improved through data fusion of observations and atmospheric chemistry models. Our previous global ozone estimates for the Global Burden of Disease study corrected for bias uniformly across continents and then corrected near monitoring stations using the Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME) framework for data fusion. Here, we use the Regionalized Air Quality Model Performance (RAMP) framework to correct model bias over a much larger spatial range than BME can, accounting for the spatial inhomogeneity of bias and nonlinearity as a function of modeled ozone. RAMP bias correction is applied to a composite of 9 global chemistry-climate models, based on the nearest set of monitors. These estimates are then fused with observations using BME, which matches observations at measurement stations, with the influence of observations declining with distance in space and time. We create global ozone maps for each year from 1990 to 2017 at fine spatial resolution. RAMP is shown to create unrealistic discontinuities due to the spatial clustering of ozone monitors, which we overcome by applying a weighting for RAMP based on the number of monitors nearby. Incorporating RAMP before BME has little effect on model performance near stations, but strongly increases R 2 by 0.15 at locations farther from stations, shown through a checkerboard cross-validation. Corrections to estimates differ based on location in space and time, confirming heterogeneity. We quantify the likelihood of exceeding selected ozone levels, finding that parts of the Middle East, India, and China are most likely to exceed 55 parts per billion (ppb) in 2017. About 96% of the global population was exposed to ozone levels above the World Health Organization guideline of 60 µg m −3 (30 ppb) in 2017. Our annual fine-resolution ozone estimates may be useful for several applications including epidemiology and assessments of impacts on health, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Ozone↗

Stratospheric Temperature and Ozone Impacts of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Water Vapor Injection

The January 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano injected a large amount of water vapor into the mid-stratosphere. This study uses model simulations to investigate the resulting stratospheric impacts out to 2031. Maximum radiatively-driven model temperature changes occur in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) subtropics in April–May 2022, with warming of ∼1 K in the lower stratosphere and cooling of 3 K in the mid-stratosphere. The radiative cooling combined with adiabatic cooling driven by the quasi-biennial oscillation meridional circulation explains the near-record cold anomaly observed in the SH subtropical mid-stratosphere. Projected ozone responses maximize in 2023–2024 as the water vapor plume is transported globally throughout the stratosphere and mesosphere. The excess H2O increases the OH radical, causing a negative global ozone response (2%–10%) in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere due to increased odd hydrogen-ozone loss, and a small positive ozone response (0.5%–1%) in the mid-stratosphere due to interference of the NOx catalytic loss cycle by the additional OH. In the lower stratosphere, the excess H2O is projected to increase polar stratospheric clouds and springtime halogen-ozone loss, enhancing the Antarctic ozone hole by 25–30 DU in 2023. Arctic impact is small, with maximum additional ozone loss of 4–5 DU projected in spring 2024. These responses diminish after 2024 to be quite small by 2031, as the excess H2O is removed from the stratosphere with a 2.5-year e-folding time. Given the year-to-year variability of the stratosphere, the magnitudes of these ozone responses may be below the threshold of detectability in observations.

stratosphere↗

Durability of Disposable N95 Mask Material When Exposed to Improvised Ozone Gas Disinfection

The principle finding of this report is that both commercial and a novel material used for N95 mask filters can endure many cycles of disinfection by ozone gas (20 ppm for 30 minutes) without detectable degradation or loss of filtration efficiency. N95 masks and surgical masks (hereafter referred to as masks) typically use a filtration material fabricated from meltblown polypropylene. To achieve maximum filtration efficiency while maintaining a reasonable pressure drop, these nonwoven fabrics are also electrostatically charged (corona discharge is the most common method used), to maximize attraction and capture of aerosols and solid particulates. Under normal circumstances, the reuse of masks is generally discouraged, but in times of crisis has become a necessity, making disinfection after each use a necessity. To be acceptable, any disinfection procedure must cause minimal degradation to the performance of the filter material. Possible performance degradation mechanisms include mechanical damage, loss of electrostatic charge, or both. One of the most practical and direct ways to measure combined mechanical and electrostatic integrity, and the subsequent ability to reuse mask filter material, is by the direct measurement of filtration efficiency. In this paper, we report that small numbers of disinfection cycles at reasonable virucidal doses of ozone do not significantly degrade the filtration efficiency of meltblown polypropylene filter material. By comparison, laundering quickly results in a significant loss of filtration efficiency and requires subsequent recharging to restore the electrostatic charge and filtration efficiency. A common assumption among biomedical scientists that ozone is far too destructive for this application. However, these direct measurements show that mask materials, specifically the filtration material, can withstand dozens of ozone disinfection cycles without any measurable degradation of filtration efficiency, nor any visible discoloration or loss of fiber integrity. The data are clear: when subjected to a virucidal dose of ozone for a much longer duration than is required for viral inactivation, there was no degradation of N95 filtration efficiency. The specific dosages of ozone needed for ~99% viral inactivation are thought to be at least 10 ppm for up to 30 minutes based upon an extensive literature review, but to standardize our testing, we consider a dose of 20 ppm for 30 minutes to be a reasonable and conservatively high ozone disinfection cycle. Finally, the material tested in this study withstood dosages of up to 200 ppm for 90 minutes, or alternatively 20 ppm for up to 36 hours, without detectable degradation, and further testing suggests that up to 30 or more disinfection cycles (at 20 ppm for 30 minutes) would result in less than a 5% loss of filtration efficiency. This report does not address the effect of ozone cycling on other mask components, such as elastics.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Global distribution of total ozone derived from Nimbus 3 satellite during April July, 1969 and its implication to upper tropospheric circulation

Utilizing a stepwise multiple regression scheme, monthly mean global maps of total ozone are produced from the spectral intensity measurements made by the infrared interferometer spectrometer (IRIS) onboard the Nimbus 3 satellite for the period April 18 to July 22, 1969. These maps show that over the equatorial regions total ozone increases steadily from April to July. Further, latitudinal variation of total ozone derived from these maps shows that the ozone increases at all latitudes over the Southern Hemisphere uniformly from April to July while over the Northern Hemisphere the monthly decrease at all latitudes is nonuniform. In general, these maps bear a close resemblance to the upper tropospheric circulation. It is observed that the total ozone is best correlated with the 200 mb geopotential heights. This relationship enables the utilization of total ozone as a quasi-stream function to determine geostrophic winds at 200 mb level. Further, even at low latitudes where the total ozone does not bear simple relationship to the geopotential heights the course of the easterly jet stream with the help of the ozone measurements can be identified.

Prabhakara, C.↗

Literature review of some selected types of results and statistical analyses of total-ozone data

The depletion of ozone in the stratosphere is examined, and causes for the depletion are cited. Ground station and satellite measurements of ozone, which are taken on a worldwide basis, are discussed. Instruments used in ozone measurement are discussed, such as the Dobson spectrophotometer, which is credited with providing the longest and most extensive series of observations for ground based observation of stratospheric ozone. Other ground based instruments used to measure ozone are also discussed. The statistical differences of ground based measurements of ozone from these different instruments are compared to each other, and to satellite measurements. Mathematical methods (i.e., trend analysis or linear regression analysis) of analyzing the variability of ozone concentration with respect to time and lattitude are described. Various time series models which can be employed in accounting for ozone concentration variability are examined.

Myers, R. H.↗

Total ozone derived from UV spectrophotometer measurements on the NASA CV-990 aircraft for the fall 1976 latitude survey flights

An ultraviolet interference filter spectrophotometer was modified to use a photodiode and was flown on latitude survey flights in the fall of 1976. Comparison with Dobson station total ozone values shows agreement between UVS and Dobson total ozone of + or - 2 percent. The procedure used to convert UVS measured ozone above the aircraft altitude to total ozone above ground level introduces an additional 2 percent deviation for very high altitude UVS ozone data. Under stable aircraft operating conditions, the UVS derived ozone values have a variability, or reproducibility, of better than + or -1 percent. The UVS data from the latitude survey flights yield a detailed latitude profile of total ozone over the Pacific Ocean during November 1976. Significant latitudinal structure in total ozone is found at the middle latitudes (30 deg to 40 deg N and S).

Hanser, F. A.↗

An evaluation of electrochemical concentration Cell (ECC) sonde measurements of atmospheric ozone

Using Dobson spectrophotometer measurements of total ozone as a comparison, an analysis of the electrochemical concentration cell (ECC) ozonesonde's measurement accuracy is presented. Days of conjunctive ECC-Dobson observations (from 1970 to 1976 at Wallops Flight Center) provide a set of 123 pairs of total ozone values. Sample set statistics are generated with means and standard deviations of total ozone values and differences being noted. An in-depth study of factors such as time assumptions used in calculating residual ozone, and other possible sources of errors are examined. A study of ECC ozone profiles is also presented with an evaluation of sonde measurement of seasonal trends, altitude or peak ozone concentration, and other important ozone parameters. Short-period changes in total ozone using Dobson data during the observational period are also described.

Geraci, M. J.↗

NASA satellite helps airliners avoid ozone concentrations

Results from a test to determine the effectiveness of satellite data for helping airlines avoid heavy concentrations of ozone are reported. Information from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer, aboard the Nimbus-7 was transmitted, for use in meteorological forecast activities. The results show: (1) Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer profile of total ozone in the atmosphere accurately represents upper air patterns and can be used to locate meteorological activity; (2) route forecasting of highly concentrated ozone is feasible; (3) five research aircraft flights were flown in jet stream regions located by the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer to determine winds, temperatures, and air composition. It is shown that the jet stream is coincides with the area of highest total ozone gradient, and low total ozone amounts are found where tropospheric air has been carried along above the tropopause on the anticyclonic side of the subtropical jet stream.

Source record↗

Space observations of aerosols and ozone; Proceedings of the Topical Meeting, Ottawa, Canada, May 16-June 2, 1982

The measurement of aerosols from space is discussed, taking into account the role of aerosols in climate, instrumentation and further measurement systems, retrieval procedures, measurements and observations, ground truth measurements, and effects on remote sensing and on climate. Aspects of ozone variability in the middle atmosphere are explored, giving attention to the quasi-biennial oscillation in equatorial stratospheric temperatures and total ozone, global pictures on the ozone field from high altitudes from DE-1, measurements of atmospheric ozone from aircraft and from balloons, a mesospheric ozone profile at sunset, periodic and aperiodic ozone variations in the middle and upper stratosphere, solar eclipse induced variations in mesospheric ozone concentrations, and solar UV and ozone balloon measurements. The determination of aerosol optical depth is considered along with a method for estimating cross radiance.

Mccormick, M. P.↗

Diagnostic analysis of two-dimensional monthly average ozone balance with Chapman chemistry

Chapman chemistry has been used in a two-dimensional model to simulate ozone balance phenomenology. The similarity between regions of ozone production and loss calculated using Chapman chemistry and those computed using LIMS and SAMS data with a photochemical equilibrium model indicate that such simplified chemistry is useful in studying gross features in stratospheric ozone balance. Net ozone production or loss rates are brought about by departures from the photochemical equilibrium (PCE) condition. If transport drives ozone above its PCE condition, then photochemical loss dominates production. If transport drives ozone below its PCE condition, then photochemical production dominates loss. Gross features of ozone loss/production (L/P) inferred for the real atmosphere from data are also simulated using only eddy diffusion. This indicates that one must be careful in assigning a transport scheme for a two-dimensional model that mimics only behavior of the observed ozone L/P.

Stolarski, Richard S.↗

The morphology of Antarctic total ozone as seen by TOMS

A more detailed examination of the TOMS observations reveals a number of important aspects of the Antarctic ozone depletion. First, it is noted that the presence of large scale disturbances around the edge of the ozone hole can lead to highly variable station observations. Second, an examination of the zonal mean total ozone for the seven Octobers shows that the large systematic decline is not simply confined to the polar region but exists at midlatitudes as well. Integrations of the total ozone from the South Pole northwards show that a portion of the systematic trend of decreasing Antarctic total ozone (prior to 1985) seems to be due to a redistribution of total ozone to subpolar and midlatitude regions. That is, decreases at high latitudes are compensated by increases at lower latitudes. The correlation between zonal mean total ozone and 70 mb zonal mean temperatures from polar to midlatitudes shows that the systematic decreases in total ozone is well correlated with a systematic decrease in stratospheric temperatures.

Schoeberl, Mark R.↗

Statistical analysis of total ozone and stratospheric Umkehr data for trends and solar cycle relationship

Dobson total ozone data from 1970-1984 and stratospheric Umkehr profile ozone data from 1970-1981 are analyzed. The relationship between ozone and long-term solar cycle activity is examined using 10.7 cm solar flux data. From the Dobson data it is estimated that the overall global trend in total ozone is -0.26 + or -0.92 percent per decade, which indicates no significant overall trend; and for the total ozone-solar flux relationship there is a 1.18 + or - 0.66 percent change in total ozone from solar cycle minimum to maximum that reveals a positive relationship. Analysis of the Umkehr data reveals a negative trend of -0.30 + or - 0.17 percent per year in the layers 7 snd 8. The relationship between Umkehr data and solar flux in layers 6 and 7 is 2.57 + or - 1.25 percent and 3.40 + or - 2.16 percent change from solar cycle minimum to maximum; however, no significant relationship is detected in the higher layers 8 and 9. These estimates are compared with theoretical model calculations. It is noted that the estimated effects of solar cycle activity on total ozone and stratospheric ozone agree with calculations of photochemical models.

Reinsel, Gregory C.↗

The characterization of an air pollution episode using satellite total ozone measurements

A case study is presented which demonstrates that measurements of total ozone from a space-based platform can be used to study a widespread air pollution episode over the southeastern U.S. In particular, the synoptic-scale distribution of surface-level ozone obtained from an independent analysis of ground-based monitoring stations appears to be captured by the synoptic-scale distribution of total ozone, even though about 90 percent of the total ozone is in the stratosphere. Additional analyses of upper air meteorological data, other satellite imagery, and in situ aircraft measurements of ozone likewise support the fact that synoptic-scale variability of tropospheric ozone is primarily responsible for the observed variability in total ozone under certain conditions. The use of the type of analysis discussed in this study may provide an important technique for understanding the global budget of tropospheric ozone.

Fishman, Jack↗

Dynamics Explorer 1 SOI images of the Antarctic ozone hole

The Dynamics Explorer (DE) satellite carries an Auroral Imaging Package which contains filters designed for performing backscatter ultraviolet measurements to measure total column ozone in the Earth's middle and lower atmosphere. Measurements are obtained at 317.5 mm (to measure ozone absorption) and 360 nm (to measure scene reflectivity). In October 1985 and 1986, measurements were obtained near apogee of the Antarctic ozone hole. The only other high spatial resolution measurements were obtained from the Nimbus 7 Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) experiment. In October 1987, the Dynamics Explorer apogee had precessed into the Northern Hemisphere preventing measurements of the ozone hole. However, measurements should be obtained from DE of the ozone hole in both 1988 and 1989. Considering that the Nimbus 7 TOMS instrument has long exceeded its expected lifetime, the DE Spin Scan Ozone Imager (SOI) experiment could easily play a crucial role in studies of the ozone hole over the next few years.

Keating, G. M.↗

Ozone profiles above Palmer Station, Antarctica

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Wallops Flight Facility conducted a series of 52 balloon-borne measurements of vertical ozone profiles over the National Science Foundation (NSF) research facility at Palmer Station, Antarctica (64 deg 46 S, 64 deg 3 W) between August 9 and October 24, 1987. High resolution measurements were made from ground level to an average of 10 mb. While much variation was seen in the profile amounts of ozone, it is clear that a progressive depletion of ozone occurred during the measurement period, with maximum depletion taking place in the 17 to 19 km altitude region. Ozone partial pressures dropped by about 95 percent in this region. Shown here are plotted time dependences of ozone amounts observed at 17 km and at arbitrarily selected altitudes below (13 km) and above (24 km) the region of maximum depletion. Ozone partial pressure at 17 km is about 150nb in early August, and has decreased to less than 10nb in the minimums in October. The loss rate is of the order of 1.5 percent/day. In summary, a progressive depletion in stratospheric ozone over Palmer Station was observed from August to October, 1987. Maximum depletion occurred in the 17 to 19 km range, and amounted to 95 percent. Total ozone overburden decreased by up to 50 percent during the same period.

Torres, Arnold L.↗

The 1987 Antarctic ozone hole - A new record low

In 1987 the Antarctic springtime total ozone as measured by TOMS was substantially lower than in any previous year. Polar ozone levels began decreasing significantly after a mesoscale transient minimum developed over the Weddell Sea on September 5-7. The total ozone over most of the Antarctic continent decreased to less than 200 DU on September 19, and a region where total ozone was less than 125 DU developed on September 30. The lowest level observed was 109 DU on October 5 near the South Pole, a value 29 DU less than the 1985 previous record low. Compared with previous years the 1987 October zonal mean total ozone is substantially lower poleward of 60 S. Antarctic total ozone in 1987 also showed the greatest rate of ozone decrease as well as the longest persistence of the ozone hole.

Krueger, Arlin J.↗

Ozone minimum occurs in Antarctica in the springtime

Observations on the formation of the Antarctic ozone hole in the upper atmosphere are summarized, and the mechanism responsible for the ozone depletion in the spring is examined. It is shown that the sequence of events begins with the absorption of H2O, N2O5, HCl, and ClONO2 on the cloud ice particles in the winter and chemical reactions among absorbed chemicals which release (HNO3)s, Cl2, HOCl, and ClNO2. With the return of sunlight in the spring, the clouds evaporate, and the Cl2, HOCl, and ClONO2 molecules are destroyed by sunlight to form Cl atoms. These attack ozone, producing a reduction of ozone that accounts for the bulk of the ozone decrease observed by the ground-based ozone monitors. Data on the ozone concentration for the period between 1957 through 1987 indicate that the southern ozone hole has been intensifying since 1975 as the amount of man-made chlorine increases.

Aikin, Arthur C.↗

Nimbus-7 TOMS Antarctic ozone atlas: August through November, 1989

Because of the great environmental significance of ozone and to support continuing research at the Antarctic and other Southern Hemisphere stations, the development of the 1989 ozone hole was monitored using data from the Nimbus-7 Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) instrument, produced in near-real-time. This Atlas provides a complete set of daily polar orthographic projections of the TOMS total ozone measurements over the Southern Hemisphere for the period August 1 through November 30, 1989. The 1989 ozone hole developed in a manner similar to that of 1987, reaching a comparable depth in early October. This was in sharp contrast to the much weaker hole of 1988. The 1989 ozone hole remained at polar latitudes as it filled in November, in contrast to other recent years when the hole drifted to mid-latitudes before disappearing. Daily ozone values above selected Southern Hemisphere stations are presented, along with comparisons of the 1989 ozone distribution to that of other years.

Krueger, Arlin J.↗