MIPAS-B

A major benefit of the MIPAS-B concept is its suitability for chemical process studies. The limb sounding technique in the IR offers e.g. the simultaneous coverage of the NOy components (i.e. NO, NO2, HNO3, HO2NO2, N2O5, and ClONO2) along with its source gas N2O with a comparably high degree of freedom in terms of measurement scenario and launch window. These constituents control via various homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions the amount of ozone in the stratosphere. Such measurements are useful for the validation and improvement of chemical-dynamical models of the atmosphere that are required for a reliable prediction of future ozone changes and the anthropogenic impact on the Earth's climate.