AirCore observations to constrain changes in stratospheric circulation (C02)

• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 428312742

We propose to continue regular AirCore observations using small balloons launched from Frankfurt to measure vertical profiles of CO, CH4 and CO2 on a bimonthly basis. These data will be combined with similar observations from Boulder/Colorado and Europe, and with satellite data from the ACE-FTS instrument. We propose to build a database of mean age derived from these observations versus methane. A changing stratospheric circulation should influence both mean age and also the breakdown of methane. A change in the breakdown of Methane will impact the amount of water vapour produced in the stratosphere. Therefore, we will investigate the change in mean age and methane and also in the correlation between them and compare the observed changes to model results.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 301: The tropopause region in a changing atmosphere
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Andreas Engel; Professor Dr. Peter Hoor, until 12/2025