Performance of AIRS ozone retrieval over the central Himalayas: use of ozonesonde and other satellite datasets

Abstract. Data from 242 ozonesondes launched ARIES, Nainital (29.40∘ N, 79.50∘ E; 1793 m elevation), are used to evaluate the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) version 6 ozone profiles and total column during period 2011–2017 over central Himalayas. The AIRS products analysed in terms of retrieval sensitivity, biases/errors, ability retrieve natural variability columnar ozone, which has not been done so far Himalayan region, having complex topography. For a direct comparison, averaging kernel information is account for sensitivity difference between ozonesonde data. We show that more minor differences lower middle troposphere stratosphere with nominal underestimations less than 20 %. However, upper (UTLS), we observe considerable overestimation magnitude, as high 102 weighted statistical error analysis shows higher positive bias standard deviation about 65 % 25 %, respectively. Similarly AIRS, Sounding Interferometer (IASI) Cross-track (CrIS) also able produce peak altitudes gradients successfully. errors again UTLS likely related larger partial pressure, inadequate on surface parameters. Furthermore, fails capture monthly variation strong bimodal variation, unlike unimodal seen Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). In contrast, tropospheric columns reasonable agreement. Increases values 5 %–20 after biomass burning events downward transport captured well by AIRS. radiative forcing (RF) derived using data (4.86 mW m−2) matches OMI (4.04 m−2), while significant RF underestimation (2.96 m−2). fragile landscapes Himalayas sensitive global climate change, establishing such biases space-borne sensors will help us study long-term trends estimate accurate budgets.