The Diel Cycle of NH<sub>3</sub> Observed From the FY‐4A Geostationary Interferometric Infrared Sounder (GIIRS)
Lieven Clarisse, Martin Van Damme, Daniel Hurtmans, Bruno Franco, Cathy Clerbaux, Pierre‐François Coheur
Abstract
Abstract Limiting excess atmospheric ammonia (NH 3 ) is one of the great challenges for humanity in the 21st century but can only be achieved with adequate monitoring means in place. Here, we report the first NH 3 measurements from the Geostationary Interferometric Infrared Sounder (GIIRS) onboard the Chinese FY‐4A satellite. The instrument scans almost all of Asia 10 times per day. We show that GIIRS′ unprecedented temporal sampling can be exploited to measure diurnal and nocturnal variations of NH 3 and demonstrate this on two case studies over Punjab and the North China Plain. Day–night variations are found to be almost absent in winter, but can reach a factor 2–3 in the warmer months. These case studies are very promising given the future landscape of geostationary sounders, but also show that improved knowledge on lower tropospheric air temperatures and the vertical profile of NH 3 is key to better exploit their measurements.