We propose membership of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in the NPOESS Preparatory Project with a three-year program to:
- Develop Earth System Data Records for ozone profiles/tropospheric ozone and for the trace gases nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde (HCHO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), bromine oxide (BrO), and chlorine dioxide (OClO);
- Validate ozone measurements using ground-based and in situ measurements;
- Perform data, algorithm, and validation studies to produce Climate Data Records (CDRs) contributing to the long-term record of trends in tropospheric ozone, NO2, and HCHO.
in NPP Science Team activities, including the development of a science operations concept document and the calibration and validation plan.
This is a type 3.2 proposal: Algorithm Refinement and Cal/Val for ESDRs. It responds to NASA Strategic Goal 3: Develop a balanced overall program of science, exploration, and aeronautics consistent with the redirection of the human spaceflight program to focus on exploration; Strategic Sub-goal 3A: Study Earth from space to advance scientific understanding and meet societal needs.
NASA Science Outcome 3A.1 is Progress in understanding and improving predictive capability for changes in the ozone layer, climate forcing, and air quality associated with changes in atmospheric composition. Our research will improve measurements, and the long-term record, for tropospheric ozone and trace gases that are central to air quality. The research done here will directly benefit future measurements from the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS).
Global measurement of pollutants is fundamental, addressing all five science questions posed in the NASA Atmospheric Chemistry Roadmap.
