Global three‐dimensional constituent fields derived from profile data

The success of 3D simulations of stratospheric constituent variability depends critically on the initialization of the constituent fields within the global model. We describe a technique for generating global 3D fields from vertical constituent profiles. The technique uses potential vorticity (q) and potential temperature (θ) to map the profiles onto the global domain. The profiles used here are obtained from a 2D model calculation that reproduces the relationship between θ, q, N2O and O3 observed during the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition (AASE). The method is verified by comparison with satellite data, aircraft data and model simulations.