Atmospheric Composition Analysis Using Ground-Based Spectroscopy
Summary
Ground-based spectroscopic techniques have become indispensable for monitoring the Earth’s atmosphere, offering high-precision, long-term observations that complement satellite measurements. By analysing solar radiation transmitted through the air mass, instruments such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and differential optical absorption spectrometers (DOAS) retrieve column-integrated abundances of trace gases, aerosols and reactive species. Networks of ground stations, often situated at remote high-altitude sites or urban observatories, enable regular sampling of both tropospheric and stratospheric layers. These measurements underpin research into greenhouse gas trends, ozone layer dynamics, air quality and the validation of chemical transport models. Recent advances in instrument calibration, radiative transfer modelling and data assimilation have improved accuracy and reduced systematic biases. The global significance of this approach lies in its capacity to detect subtle atmospheric changes, assess compliance with international climate protocols and provide near-real-time air-quality information for policy and public health applications.
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Atmospheric Composition Analysis Using Ground-Based Spectroscopy publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in atmospheric composition analysis using ground-based spectroscopy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR): A technique that records high-resolution spectra by measuring the interference pattern of infrared light, enabling quantitative retrievals of atmospheric gas concentrations across multiple spectral bands.
Column-averaged abundance: The total amount of a gas species integrated along a vertical atmospheric path and averaged by the column depth, typically expressed in molecules cm⁻² or parts per billion by volume (ppbv).
Near-infrared (NIR) / Mid-infrared (MIR): Spectral regions of the infrared band (approximately 0.7–5 µm and 5–25 µm, respectively) where distinct molecular transitions occur, allowing discrimination of different atmospheric constituents.
Troposphere / Stratosphere: The lowest (surface to ~12 km) and second (~12–50 km) layers of the atmosphere, respectively; each hosts unique chemical processes influencing weather, climate and ozone chemistry.
HYSPLIT model: The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory tool used for calculating air-mass back trajectories to assess transport pathways and source regions of observed atmospheric constituents.
GEOS-Chem model: A global three-dimensional chemical transport model driven by meteorological input, used to simulate atmospheric composition and compare with observational datasets.
References
- Ground-based remote sensing of nitrous oxide (N2O) over Hefei, eastern China from high-resolution solar spectra. Geo-spatial Information Science (2023).
- Ground-Based Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Water Vapor Using High-Resolution FTIR Spectrometry. Remote Sensing (2023).
- FTIR time series of stratospheric NO2 over Hefei, China, and comparisons with OMI and GEOS-Chem model data.. Optics Express (2019).
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