Study in Variation of Ozone Concentration over Indian Subcontinent using Ozone Monitoring Instrument Data

Abstract

The paper gives an overview of a major application of remote sensing satellites in monitoring the ozone
concentration present in the atmosphere. Ozone makes a significant contribution to the radiative balance of the
upper troposphere and lower stratosphere and is an important constituent in the atmosphere, for it provides a
protective shield against the harmful ultraviolet radiations. However, in the recent times, there has been
immense debate as to the possibility of long term global ozone depletion due to catalytic reactions in the
stratosphere involving chemicals released by anthropogenic activities. Remote sensing of Earth from space has
shown its significance in various applications ranging from land uses to atmospheric studies. These satellites
have been introduced to encompass various tasks like studying the atmosphere and the various interactions
involved, understanding and analysing stratospheric pollution by measurement of various trace gases involved,
studying man’s impact on the atmosphere etc. One among the many satellites introduced is the Ozone
Monitoring Instrument (OMI), which has been regularly monitoring ozone on a global basis since year 2004.
For the present study, ozone data obtained from the instrument has been used to analyse the variability of ozone
over selected regions of India during the period from year 2005-2010. The study includes analysis of monthly
and yearly variation of ozone over selected regions during the period of study.
Keywords: Ozone (O3), Dobson Unit (DU), OMI, Indian subcontinent