Abstract:
The ozone valley over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau has a significant impact on global climate. To explore the specific temporal and spatial characteristics of the ozone valley, this study primarily utilizes daily total ozone columns, monthly average tropospheric ozone columns, and ozone profiles derived from OMI and MLS over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau from 2010 to 2023. The study analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the ozone low-value center over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and briefly discusses the possible causes of this phenomenon. Additionally, we employ spatial interpolation and precision-controlled data screening to minimize uncertainties in satellite retrievals, ensuring robust conclusions. The results are indicated below. Compared to other regions at the same latitude globally, the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau exhibits a distinct low-ozone phenomenon during the summer, with a maximum deficit of 36 DU (Dobson Unit), located in the northwestern part of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Notably, this seasonal anomaly extends to tropospheric ozone, where the plateau shows a deficit of 15 DU relative to regions at the same latitude globally. Vertically, there are multiple peaks of the ozone deficit over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in summer. The low ozone values over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau are mainly concentrated within the 15~20 km range, with the lowest value corresponding to an altitude of 16.8 km, roughly at the tropopause. There are significant regional differences in the low-ozone phenomenon within the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, with opposite patterns observed between the southern and northern parts during the winter, where northern regions show ozone surpluses (+156.2 ppb) within the 15~20 km range, contrasting southern deficits. Based on the current study, future research will utilize high-resolution, multi-source data and relevant climate models to analyze further and validate the formation mechanisms of the ozone valley and its impacts on climate.