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Oceanography and Atmospheric Sci.Atmospheric Physics

THOMAS 2.5 THz Measurements of Middle Atmospheric OH: Comparison With MAHRSI Observations and Model Results

Authors: Christoph R Englert; Birger A Schimpf; Manfred Birk; Franz Schreier; Robert R Conway; Michael H Stevens; Michael E Summers; NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC E O HULBURT CENTER FOR SPACE RESEARCH
Abstract:
In this work OH observations of the middle atmosphere performed by the improved 2.5 THz heterodyne spectrometer THOMAS (Tera Hertz OH Measurement Airborne Sounder) during the 1997 THOMAS/MAHRSI (Middle Atmosphere High Resolution Spectrograph investigation) campaign are presented. Results of the THOMAS OH measurements are compared to simultaneous MAHRSI OH observations and to photochemical model calculations using both standard HO(sub x) chemistry and a recently proposed change in HO(sub x) chemistry. The 40 km - 90 km OH column densities measured by THOMAS and MAHRSI show excellent agreement, the 50 km - 90 km OH column densities agree well within the measurement uncertainties throughout the diurnal cycle. The comparison of the observed and modeled OH column densities in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere suggests that neither model is capable of simultaneously reproducing the measurements in both regions.

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Description: Monograph
Pages: 7
Report Date: Jan 2000
Report Number: A681725
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