Coordinated UK Studies of the Atmosphere using UARS Data - Proposal in response to the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite Guest Investigator Program

The proposal describes research of the dynamical, radiative and chemical balance of the middle atmosphere to be carried out in the UK, utilising data from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). The studies are aimed at improving the understanding of atmospheric processes that control the distribution of ozone in the Earth's atmosphere. The work will be carried out jointly by eleven groups in the UK who are actively involved in research of the middle atmosphere. Extensive use will be made of the hierarchy of computer models that have been developed as part of the Natural Environment Research Council's 'UK Universities Global Atmospheric Modelling Programme' (UGAMP). The proposed dynamical studies include examination of the evolution of the polar vortex and mid-latitude air and possible causes of mid-latitude ozone depletion. Proposed chemical studies include mechanisms for the activation and deactivation of chlorine, the nitrogen budget, the water vapour and total hydrogen budgets and studies of the roles of polar stratospheric clouds and aerosols. Finally, studies of inter-annual variability and solar terrestrial interactions are proposed and also the development of an ozone climatology.