Temporal and Spatial Variability of the TOMS Total Ozone; Global Trends and Profiles

Using monthly total ozone data obtained from a Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) onboard the Nimbus-7 and Earth Probe satellite, this study examined the trend in the total amount of global ozone during two periods: from 1979-1992 [Early period] and 1997-2002 [Laker period]. The Annual average of total ozone during the Early period was globally reduced by about 10 DU compared to the amount during the Latta-, except in some areas between the equator and 20 N. Global trends of total ozone showed a decrease of -6.30 DU/decade during 1979-1992, and an increase of 0.12 DU/decade during 1997-2002. Its enhancement during the Latter period was especially noticeable in tropical areas. The EOF analyses of total ozone from this period indicated signs of temporal/spatial variability, associated with the phenomena of Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO), Quasi-Triennial Oscillation (QTO), El Nifio Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and volcanic eruption. Seasonal profiles of tropospheric ozone in the tropics obtained from ozonesondes, showed the spatial pattern of zonal wavenumber one. Overall, this study may be useful in analyzing passible causes in the variations of stratospheric and tropospheric ozone.