Abstract

Two sets of stratospheric trace gas columns obtained during the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Experiment by Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy differed sufficiently to warrant a reexamination and intercomparison. The intercomparison had three goals: the determination of the source(s) of the discrepancies, the remeasurement of the raw data using a variety of trace gas retrieval methods, and the determination of the errors involved in such measurements. New measurements of the data suggest that the spectra are remarkably consistent, and provide similar vertical columns when analyzed with one set of assumptions and a particular spectrum analysis method. The intercomparison suggests that the absolute value of vertical columns can be altered by changing the model assumptions and the fitting method. Conclusions regarding data intercomparison and methods of data analysis are discussed in the context of future AASE and AAOE missions and the NDSC.

© 1991 Optical Society of America