A global ozone profile climatology for satellite retrieval algorithms based on Aura MLS measurements and the MERRA-2 GMI simulation

Abstract. A new atmospheric ozone profile climatology has been constructed by combining daytime profiles from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research Applications version 2 (MERRA-2) Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) model simulation (M2GMI). The MLS M2GMI are merged between 13 17 km (?159 88 hPa), with used stratospheric GMI primarily tropospheric levels. time record is August 2004–December 2016. derived seasonal consists of monthly zonal-mean in 5? latitude bands 90? S to N covering altitudes (in Z* log-pressure altitude) zero 80 1 increments. This can be as a priori information satellite retrievals, radiative transfer studies, baseline compare other measured or model-simulated ozone. MLS/GMI shows number improvements compared previous climatologies based on ozonesonde measurements. These attributed mostly continuous daily global coverage sparse regional measurements sondes. In addition climatology, we also derive an additive account interannual variability which rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF) analysis profiles. REOF starts 1970 captures most including quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) signatures.