Residual temperature bias effects in stratospheric species distributions from LIMS

Abstract. The Nimbus 7 Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere (LIMS) instrument operated from 25 October 1978 through 28 May 1979. Its version 6 (V6) profiles were processed and archived in 2002. We present several diagnostic examples quality V6 stratospheric species distributions based on their level 3 zonal Fourier coefficient products. In particular, we show that there are small differences ascending (A) minus descending (D) orbital temperature–pressure or T(p) (their A−D values) affect (A−D) values. Systematic biases can arise radiance and/or viewing anomalies along orbits. There also be due to not resolving correcting for all atmospheric temperature gradient LIMS tangent view-paths. An error affects retrievals (1) Planck blackbody function forward calculations limb part iterative retrieval algorithm LIMS, (2) registration measured pressure altitude, mainly lower stratosphere. clear ozone, H2O, HNO3 but NO2. Percentage larger stratosphere ozone H2O because those optically thick. evaluate profile upper with aid comparisons against a monthly climatology UV–ozone soundings rocketsondes. provide results time series analyses potential vorticity middle average (A+D) products picture evolution tracers during Northern Hemisphere winter. recommend researchers use product science studies while keeping mind uncorrected nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium effects daytime mesosphere uppermost point out present-day Sounding Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) experiment provides measurements nearly free anomalous diurnal variations gradients at low latitudes.