Satellite observation distribution of atmospheric ozone over Peninsular Malaysia from SCIAMACHY

Long-term observations of atmospheric ozone can quantify ozone variability and trends, whereas it is a key component to understanding past changes and validating model used to predict future evolution of global ozone. Variations of ozone concentrations in Peninsular Malaysia were observed and investigated using the data retrieved from Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY). The aim of this study was to determine the monthly and seasonal variations of ozone concentrations in Peninsular Malaysia from January 2003 to December 2008 using level-2 of total ozone column WFMD version 1.0 with spatial resolution 1° × 1.25°. Analysis for trend of five selected sites exhibit strong seasonal variation in the atmospheric ozone concentrations, where there is a significant difference between northeast monsoon and southwest monsoon. Monthly ozone maps were generated over Peninsular Malaysia using Multiquadratic Spline Interpolation technique through PCI Geomatica 10.1 image processing software, in order to study the distribution of ozone over Peninsular Malaysia for 2008. The concentration changes within boundary layer at all altitude levels are equally sensitive through the SCIAMACHY near-infrared nadir observations. Hence, we can make observation of ozone at surface source region. The results successfully identify the area with highest and lowest concentration of ozone at Peninsular Malaysia using SCIAMACHY data. Therefore, the study is suitable to examine the distribution of ozone at tropical region.