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Aura Science
Observations

2011 Science Observations

Hydroxyl radical (OH) response to the 11-year solar cycle

Hydroxyl radical (OH) response to the 11-year solar cycle

OH data from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on Aura and a ground-based FTUVS suggest a response of the OH column to the solar cycle that is significantly larger than model results using established solar forcing.

 TES Water Vapor Isotope Data used to Evaluate Moisture Processes in Climate Models

TES Water Vapor Isotope Data used to Evaluate Moisture Processes in Climate Models

The Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on NASA's Aura shows weaker than usual ozone transport and strong photochemical loss

Direct observations of megacity emissions and lifetimes of nitrogen oxides using OMI

Direct observations of megacity emissions and lifetimes of nitrogen oxides using OMI

Emission inventories in megacities are uncertain, particularly in developing countries. Can we use OMI to better quantify these emissions without a model?

Decrease in SO2 ver the Eastern US

Decrease in SO2 over the Eastern US

OMI data confirm a substantial reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2 ) values around the largest US coal power plants as a result of the implementation of pollution control measures.

 MLS observations of unprecedented 2011 Arctic ozone loss

Aura MLS observations of unprecedented 2011 Arctic ozone loss

Unusually prolonged cold conditions in the spring 2011 Arctic stratosphere promoted levels of chlorine activation and chemical ozone loss never before observed in the Arctic, comparable to those in the Antarctic in some winters.

 TES Water Vapor Isotope Data used to Evaluate Moisture Processes in Climate Models

TES Water Vapor Isotope Data used to Evaluate Moisture Processes in Climate Models

Differences between TES data and climate models are due to rainfall, evaporation and mixing processes....

Equatorial wave structure

Equatorial wave structure

HIRDLS temperature measurement sampling and resolution afford unprecedented views of the latitude-height structure of equatorial waves at altitudes above the cloud tops.

Gravity wave momentum fluxes in polar regions

Gravity wave momentum fluxes in polar regions

HIRDLS observations are used to quantify gravity wave momentum fluxes in the middle atmosphere.

Gravity wave momentum fluxes in monsoon regions

Gravity wave momentum fluxes in monsoon regions

Measurements from HIRDLS are used to quantify gravity wave momentum fluxes generated from monsoon regions across the globe over the three years 2005-2007.

Stratosphere-Troposphere Intrusions

Stratosphere-Troposphere Intrusions

Deep intrusions of tropospheric air into the lower stratosphere above the subtropical jet, characterized by low ozone concentration and low static stability, are consistently observed with Aura/HIRDLS.

Volcano Eruption

Grímsvötn Volcano Eruption

Aura's OMI ultraviolet aerosol index allows volcanic ash to be detected over clouds whereas this is more difficult with a visible image.

The Global Carbon Cycle

The Global Carbon Cycle

TES measurements provide constraints on carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and uptake and methane (CH4) emissions.

>TES Water Vapor Isotopes

TES Water Vapor Isotopes

Stable isotopes from TES is used to constrain convective parameterization in a climate model.

Greenhouse effect of tropospheric ozone

Greenhouse effect of tropospheric ozone

This map shows the longwave radiative effect of infrared radiation absorbed by tropospheric ozone as estimated from TES top-of- atmosphere observations.

Ammonia from TES

Ammonia from TES

TES captures the variability of ammonia over the Earth's surface.

Global satellite analysis of the relation between aerosols and short-lived trace gases

Global satellite analysis of the relation between aerosols and short-lived trace gases

Information on the global composition of aerosol particles, their emission sources and relative regional pollution controls of combustion processes.