Nota Técnica SMN 2024-185
Gerardo Carbajal BenítezOZONOSONDEOS EN LA ESTACIÓN GAW-USHUAIA
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Abstract
Since 2008 and until 2024, continuous ozonesonde campaigns have been conducted at the GAW-Ushuaia Station. This initiative began through an agreement between the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), both from Spain, in collaboration with the Province of Tierra del Fuego and the National Meteorological Service (SMN) of Argentina. Over the years, the frequency of these campaigns has decreased, particularly since 2017 when AEMET and INTA were unable to provide the necessary support, leaving SMN to assume full responsibility for the launches. The launches adhere to the standards and procedures recommended by the GAW/WMO group of experts. The total weight of the ozonesonde package, including the radiosonde, is approximately 1.5 kg. This weight allows it to be deployed with a 900 g balloon, which typically provides enough lift to reach altitudes between 30 and 35 km (approximately 10 to 0 hPa). A successful launch is defined as reaching an altitude above 30 km in Ushuaia. The ascent speed is around 5 m/s, with a response time ranging from 18 to 28 seconds, resulting in an effective vertical resolution for the ozone profile of about 100 to 150 meters. The ECC ozonesonde employs the Komhyr electrochemical method, a quantitative chemical method known as "titration," which detects ozone in a potassium iodide (KI) solution through a Reduction-Oxidation (REDOX) reaction. The ozone measured by the probe is regarded as integrated ozone. Subsequently, total ozone is calculated using a model or climatological data referred to as residual ozone. To ensure accurate measurements across all systems, it is essential to follow proper calibration procedures, calculate uncertainties, maintain traceability, and verify the obtained data, particularly by using the normalization factor (NT). The profiles obtained from these measurements are crucial for validating instruments mounted on satellite platforms, as well as for refining ozone and UV radiation models. The objective of this work is to provide a more detailed complement to the initial technical note implemented at GAW-Ushuaia and to initiate the first evaluation of the historical ozone soundings at this station, along with an assessment of the uncertainties associated with these profiles.
