EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Roelofs et al. 2003
Roelofs, G.J., Kentarchos, A.S., Trickl, T., Stohl, A., Collins, W.J., Crowther, R.A., Hauglustaine, D., Klonecki, A., Law, K.S., Lawrence, M.G., von Kuhlmann, R. and van Weele, M. (2003). Intercomparison of tropospheric ozone models: Ozone transport in a complex tropopause folding event. Journal of Geophysical Research 108: doi: 10.1029/2003JD003462. issn: 0148-0227.

The present generation of tropospheric chemistry models applies horizontal and vertical model resolutions that are sufficiently fine to represent synoptic-scale processes. In this study we compare simulations of a tropopause folding event on 20--21 June 2001 from six tropospheric ozone models with tropospheric ozone profiles observed at Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany). The event involves air masses of stratospheric origin and of North Atlantic and North American tropospheric origin. Two coupled chemistry-climate models, three chemistry-transport models, and one chemistry-trajectory model participate in the intercomparison. The models do not explicitly include stratospheric chemistry, and stratospheric ozone is parameterized instead. The horizontal resolution of the Eulerian models, T42 (2.8¿ ¿ 2.8¿) or finer, appears adequate to represent two prominent features, namely, the stratospheric intrusion descending from the upper troposphere to about 4 km altitude on the first day and an ozone-poor air mass of marine origin in the lower troposphere on the second day. The ozone distribution from the Lagrangian model is less representative because of an insufficient air parcel density. Major discrepancies between model results and observations are the underestimation of ozone levels in the intrusion, too strong downward transport of ozone between the lower stratosphere and the upper troposphere on the first day, and too fast and deep descent of the intrusion. Accurate representation of ozone levels in the intrusion depends directly on the accuracy of the simulated ozone in the lower stratosphere. Additionally, for Eulerian models a relatively coarse vertical resolution in the tropopause region may add to inaccuracies in the simulated ozone distributions.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Constituent sources and sinks, Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Troposphere--composition and chemistry, Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Troposphere--constituent transport and chemistry, Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics, Stratosphere/troposphere interactions
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit