Comparing CARIBIC and Satellite Data

The ultimate objective of the CARIBIC project is to create a database of in-situ measurements of a large number of trace species (~ 60) and aerosol properties in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) which may be used to validate satellite measurements. Altogether 45 CARIBIC return flights were executed between November 1997 and May 2002 when the Boeing 767 of LTU International Airways was decommissioned. The CO and O₃ data for all flights were checked and incorporated into the CARIBIC data bank established on the basis of CERA2 (Climate and Environmental data Retrieval and Archive system) database designed by PIK, DKRZ, and AWL A new CARIBIC container with an extended instrumentation is being built for an Airbus A340-600 of Lufthansa AG. It is hoped to resume the measurements in September 2003 and to continue them for a period of 10 years.