Climatology of Stratospheric Ozone Based on SBUV and SBUV/2 Data: 1978 - 1994

The purpose of this study is to construct and analyze a long-term, continuous record of satellite ozone data to document such means and variabilities. This atlas presents climatological stratospheric ozone statistics derived from nearly sixteen years (1978-1994) of daily global satellite observations. Data from Nimbus 7 Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SBUV) (covering November 1978-June 1990) and NOAA 11 SBUV/2 (January 1989-April 1994) are combined into a continuous time series; both column ozone and ozone profile information over 25-50 km is presented. The SBUV data are adjusted to match the SBUV/2 measurements, based on comparisons during the overlap period when both instruments were operational (January 1989-June 1990). The quality of this long-term ozone record is studied by extensive comparisons with other satellite ozone data, namely TOMS data for column ozone and LIMS, SAGE II, HALOE and MLS for ozone profiles (acronyms are identified below). The long term record is used to document climatological means, along with daily and interannual variability statistics, for zonal mean and planetary wave variations in ozone column and profile data. Monthly mean cross sections are presented, along with climatological latitude-time and height-time sections. This atlas is presented for a concise climatology of stratospheric ozone, and to alert potential users to the availability of these data.