Stratosphere

Polar stratospheric clouds made of hydraded nitric acid plays an important role in ozone chemistry, and they may be quite spectacular to look at when illuminated by the setting Sun. Photo: Aqqalooraq Kielsen, Tasiilaq, Greenland, 30th of January 2008.

The stratosphere is responsible for many processes influencing weather, climate and environment on Earth. Most noticeable is the impact of the ozone layer on nature and human civilization, but it is also becoming increasingly evident that stratospheric processes have large impact on the tropospheric climate.

At the DMI research is performed by monitoring stratospheric composition through balloon measurements, satellite retrievals and ground-based remote sensing. Process studies on mesoscale as well as cloud modelling on microphysical scale is performed in international collaborations. Models are used for assistance of monitoring activities, process studies and climate studies.  

Monitoring the Ozone Layer and the Solar UV radiation in Greenland

link: DANCEA: Projektlister (mst.dk)

Project aims: To continue the monitoring that was started in the early 90'es in order to fulfill the danish obligations to the "Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer". Part of the network for the Detection of Atmospheric Compostion Change (NDACC).

DMI’s role: To measure the Ozone Layer and the solar UV radiation at three locations in Greenland, at Thule/Pituffik, Scoresbysund/Ittoqqortoormiut and Sondre Stromfjord/Kangerlussuaq.

Funding: Danish Environmental Protection Agency (DANCEA), Ministry of Environment.

Period: Jan 1st, 2014 –  Dec 2025 (current contract)

Participants from DMI: , Nis Jepsen, Helge Jønch-Sørensen

AC SAF (EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility on Atmospheric Composition Monitoring)

Link: https://acsaf.org

Project aims: The Satellite Application Facility on Atmospheric Composition Monitoring (AC SAF)  produces, archives, validates and disseminates ozone and atmospheric chemistry products, to support the services of the EUMETSAT Member States in weather forecasting, as well as monitoring of ozone depletion, air quality and surface UV radiation.

DMI’s role: DMI is responsible for the production, validation and dissemination of  the Near Real Time UV index products. 

Funding: EUMETSAT.

Period: Mar 2012 – Feb 2017.   CDOP-3 :  Mar. 2017 - Feb. 2022

Collaborators: FMI, DLR, KNMI, DWD, RMI, AUTH, BIRA-IASB, LATMOS, ULB

Participants from DMI: Helge Jønch-Sørensen