Spatio-temporal variations of observed and modelled stratospheric trace gases

The satellite instrument SCIAMACHY was operational for almost 10 years during the period 2002-2012 aboard the Envisat of the ESA, measuring a number of important atmospheric trace gases in three different modes. SCIAMACHY measured the spectra of the solar light scattered by the atmosphere (or transmitted through the atmosphere in the occultation mode). These spectra were used to retrieve vertical profiles or total columns of the atmospheric trace gases as well as aerosol and cloud parameters. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatio-temporal changes of stratospheric species such as ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and reveal possible drivers of the observed variations. Taking into account the importance of understanding the changes in the atmospheric composition it was crucial to 1) find an atmospheric model, which adequately describes chemical-dynamical processes in the stratosphere and 2) have an accurate knowledge of trace gases distribution.