Analysis of the Information Content and Vertical Resolution of Ground-Based IR Spectroscopy for Determining the Vertical Structure of CO 2

Determining the vertical structure of CO2 content is important for studying the exchange of greenhouse gases between the troposphere, where anthropogenic factors determine their growth and content, and the stratosphere. In this work, we analyze the potential information content and vertical resolution of ground-based IR spectroscopy in determining CO2 profiles from solar radiation measurements with a Bruker 125 HR Fourier spectrometer at the St. Petersburg site. Based on methodological studies of different spectral windows and regions, we show the possibility of determining 3–4 independent parameters of the CO2 vertical structure. Measurements in strong and moderate absorption lines provide maximum information on the CO2 content in the lower and middle troposphere with a vertical resolution of 3–5 km. Weak absorption lines provide information on the CO2 content in the stratosphere with a vertical resolution of 10–25 km.