Towards a new scientific data product of H2O/HDO vertical columns from TROPOMI 2.3 mum reflectance measurements

Abstract

In this study, the Shortwave Infrared CO Retrieval (SICOR) algorithm is deployed on reflectance measurements in the 2.3 mum spectral range from the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on ESA's Sentinel 5-P mission to simultaneously retrieve vertical column abundances of H2O and HDO. Information about the isotopic fractionation in the atmosphere allows to conclude on the atmospheric transport of air parcels and by that is highly relevant, for example, for investigations of the hydrological cycle. We present first results of TROPOMI H2O/HDO retrievals and a comparison with ground based measurements of the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). Furthermore, we discuss the relevance of recent developments in spectroscopical databases for water vapour isotopologues. This contribution is the first step towards a scientific H2O/HDO TROPOMI data product which will enable new research possibilities.