Satellite observations of peroxyacetyl nitrate from the Aura Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer

Payne, VH; Alvarado, MJ; Cady-Pereira, KE; Worden, JR, JR; Kulawik, SS; Fischer, EV

HERO ID

2841159

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2014

HERO ID 2841159
In Press No
Year 2014
Title Satellite observations of peroxyacetyl nitrate from the Aura Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer
Authors Payne, VH; Alvarado, MJ; Cady-Pereira, KE; Worden, JR, JR; Kulawik, SS; Fischer, EV
Journal Atmospheric Measurement Techniques
Volume 7
Issue 11
Page Numbers 3737-3749
Abstract We present a description of the algorithm used to retrieve peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) concentrations from the Aura Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES). We describe the spectral microwindows, error analysis, and the utilization of a priori and initial guess information provided by the GEOS-Chem global chemical transport model. The TES PAN retrievals contain up to one degree of freedom for signal. In general, the retrievals are most sensitive to PAN in the mid-troposphere. Estimated single-measurement uncertainties are on the order of 30 to 50 %. The detection limit for a single TES measurement is dependent on the atmospheric and surface conditions as well as on the instrument noise. For observations where the cloud optical depth is less than 0.5, we find that the TES detection limit for PAN is in the region of 200 to 300 pptv. We show that PAN retrievals capture plumes associated with boreal burning. Retrievals over the Northern Hemisphere Pacific in springtime show spatial features that are qualitatively consistent with the expected distribution of PAN in outflow of Asian pollution.
Doi 10.5194/amt-7-3737-2014
Wosid WOS:000345781000008
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes