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Aura Science : Data and Images : MLS

HIRDLS feature
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.
What caused unusually low Arctic O3 in Spring 2011?
The Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on NASA's Aura shows weaker than usual ozone transport and strong photochemical 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.
Aerosol-Clouds-Water Vapor Interactions
Aerosol-Clouds-Water Vapor Interactions
The properties of the polluted clouds indicate a warming and moistening effect on air entering the stratosphere by the pollutants in Asia.
OMI Iceland
Strongest El Niño Event Since Aura Launch
Aura MLS observations show clear imprint of 2010 El Niño in the upper troposphere
Aura Science Result Image
'Double Record Breaker'
2006 Antarctic Ozone Hole seen by MLS

Prolonged low temperatures in September 2006 increased by the longevity of 'active chlorine', leading to a record area and depth of the ozone hole.
OMI & MLS Tropospheric Ozone maps
First global tropospheric maps show streams of tropospheric ozone crossing the oceans
OMI & MLS can estimate the tropospheric ozone residual by subtracting the MLS stratospheric ozone from OMI column ozone. These maps show pollution streaming from the U.S., Europe and China to the west in summer and pollution from biomass burning in the equatorial zone.
MLS Cloud Ice
First Global Measurement of Cloud Ice in Upper Troposphere
Cloud ice measurement will improve global circulation models used for weather and climate forecasts.
The measurements will also help quantify the upper tropospheric hydrological cycle, including water vapor feedbacks on climate change.
MLS Sub-Visual Cirrus
First Maps of Sub-Visual Cirrus in the Upper Tropical Troposphere
MLS sees cloud ice, but HIRDLS sees the clouds themselves, even clouds that are so thin that people cannot see them. Just as in the MLS cloud ice map we see large amounts of this cirrus in regions of significant cloud ice.
CO pertubation
Measurement of CO in Upper Troposphere
CO is a signature of pollution and can be transported a long way from its source. Not surprisingly, that transport can be vertical as well as horizontal. These images show how CO detected in the lower stratosphere can tell us something about where convection is occurring.
HCI measurements
Continuous measurement of HCl in stratosphere
The continuous measurement of HCl in the stratosphere shows the rapid recovery of this major chlorine reservoir after polar ozone loss, and continues the long-term measurements from UARS HALOE. Monitoring HCl tells us about ozone loss processes and the recovery of the ozone layer.
OH MEasurements
First Measurement of OH in the Middle Stratosphere
The MLS measurements of OH and HO2 have provided the first tests of global stratospheric hydrogen chemistry and resolved the disagreement between model estimates of OH and earlier observations - these data suggest earlier observations are suspect.
Aura Science Result Image
The Carbon Monoxide Tape Recorder
As tropical air rises into the stratosphere it carries with it trace gases, such as CFC's that are responsible for ozone depletion.
Aura Science Result Image
Destruction of Arctic Ozone this Winter
An unprecedended suite of simultaneous measurements by MLS allows more accurate quantification of ozone destruction in the 2004-2005 Arctic winter.
Aura Science Result Image
MLS detects SO2 and HCI injected into the stratosphere by the 27 January 2005 New Guinea Manam volcano.
These images show MLS detection of enhanced SO2 and HCI in the lower stratosphere over New Guinea on January 28, following eruption of Manam volcano on January 27.
Aura Science Result Image
MLS Water Vapor and Pressure
Time-pressure sections of zonally averaged water vapor mixing ratio, shown as the deviation from the time-mean profile.
Aura Science Result Image
MLS HCI - Observations of Antarctic Polar Vortex Breakup
Maps of MLS HCI in the lower stratosphere (520 K, 20km) detailing the springtime breakup of the 2004 Antarctic vortex.
Aura Science Result Image
Solar Proton Flare Affects Mesospheric OH and Ozone
Aura MLS has provided first observation of this connection