Analysis of the Variation of Atmospheric Composition in the Upper Troposphere during a Strong Convection in Eastern China in Summer

The distribution of atmospheric composition, including carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃), water vapor (H₂O), and ice water content (IWC), during a strong convective weather occurring in the Jianghuai areas is investigated based on measurements by the MLS (Microwave Limb Sounder) on the Aura satellite. Results show that the increase of CO mixing ratio at 200 hPa is 0.12 ppm, the decrease of O₃ mixing ratio at 70 hPa is about 0.30 ppm, and the increase of H₂O mixing ratio at 250 hPa is 400 ppm. The value of IWC has a sharp growth before the surface heavy rain occurs, and its maximum at 200 hPa is about 0.03 g/m³. The consistency variation between vertical velocity and mixing ratio of CO and O₃ indicates that the vertical transport is a conceivable mechanism changing the distribution of atmospheric composition in the upper troposphere and the lower stratosphere. Besides, H₂O mixing ratio and IWC also increase obviously when the convection is triggered, but the growth is limited below the tropopause. This suggests that not only the vertical transport but also the microphysical processes in the convection system decide the quality and phase of water in the upper troposphere.