Technical Notes

The following summary from Hassler et al (2013) - in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics - provides a useful comparison among the three main zonal-mean ozone data sets:

"Based on the comparisons in this study, the following features of each data set can be deduced, which bears on their utility in different applications:

– RW07 – This data set shows a more conservative estimate of tropical and polar ozone changes than the BDBP data set, but does not match absolute ozone observations well in some latitudinal and atmospheric regions. This data set would be most useful where only ozone anomalies are necessary for a particular study, and if a more conservative ozone change estimate is desirable.

– SPARC – This is the only data set that covers more than only the observational period (1979 to 2005) and runs from 1850 to 2100. This data set would be most helpful for studies that require historical or future ozone, are not concerned with much variability besides an annual cycle and desire a generally conservative ozone change.

– BDBP – This data set includes the most detailed interannual variability, the most realistic SH polar ozone loss and the best agreement with absolute SAGE II and ozonesonde values. It displays the largest ozone changes over much of the lower stratosphere. This data set would be most helpful for studies that focus on these characteristics."