Streamer Event in GOME Total Column Ozone Data

The upper panel (January 26) reflects a more or less quiet situation with high ozone densities (red) at higher latitudes and lower concentrations (blue) near the equator. The data also reveal that the northern polar vortex was well established during that period. Beyond these synoptical features, the data clearly show a variety of medium and even small scale structures. On January 29/30 the situation has changed dramatically. The maps indicate the development of a strong streamer (green tongue) across the west-coast of North America apparently carrying ozone low air from low to higher latitudes. On January 31 the streamer tends to tilt to the southeast and obviously isolates ozone rich air from higher latitudes which is subsequently being mixed irreversibly to the surrounding atmosphere (February 1).