The Use of Fourier Transforms for Asynoptic Mapping: Applications to the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite Microwave Limb Sounder

Fourier analysis has been applied to data obtained from limb viewing instruments on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite. A coordinate system rotation facilitates the efficient computation of Fourier transforms in the temporal and longitudinal domains. Fields such as ozone (03), chlorine monoxide (C1O), temperature and water vapor have been transformed by this process. The transforms have been inverted to provide maps of these quantities at selected times, providing a method of accurate time interpolation. Maps obtained by this process show evidence of both horizontal and vertical transport of important trace species such as 0 3 and C1O. An examination of the polar regions indicates that large scale planetary variations are likely to play a significant role in transporting mid-stratospheric 0 3 into the polar regions. There is also evidence that downward transport occurs providing a means of moving 0 3 into the polar vortex at lower altitudes. The transforms themselves show the structure and propagation characteristics of wave variations .