The representation and analysis of vertical distributions of ozone

• Published in: Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
• Main Author: Godson, W. L.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1962
• Subjects: Moosonee
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/qj.49708837703; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fqj.49708837703; https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/qj.49708837703

Abstract A new diagram is proposed for the representation and analysis of the vertical distribution of ozone – the ozonagram with basic coordinates of ozone partial pressure and the logarithm of total pressure. It is shown that only this diagram satisfies a set of seven criteria devised to meet all dynamical, analytical and graphical requirements. Convenient symbols and units are also proposed for various ozone parameters. The ozonagram is applied to the representation and analysis of umkehr data for the Canadian stations of Moosonee and Edmonton (Mateer and Godson 1960). The basic features of the seasonal variations are illustrated, in particular, the relative roles of the lower and middle stratosphere, the latter being largely responsible for the annual ozone maximum. The effects of changes in air mass are investigated for several seasons, but no unique pattern emerges. Even when middle‐stratosphere temperatures do not change significantly, it appears that middle‐stratosphere ozone concentrations do change, in a variable manner. In the absence of dynamic activity in the middle stratosphere, however, the Normand‐Reed mechanism can be substantiated.