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NOMAD is a suite of spectrometers on the board of the ESA-Roscosmos Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) spacecraft and is capable of investigating the Martian environment at very high spectral resolution in the ultraviolet–visible and infrared spectral ranges by means of three separate channels: UVIS (0.2–0.65 μm), LNO (2.2–3.8 μm), and SO (2.3–4.3 μm). Among all channels, LNO is the only one operating at infrared wavelengths in nadir-viewing geometry, providing information on the whole atmospheric column and on the surface. Unfortunately, the LNO data are characterized by an overall low level of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), limiting their contribution to the scientific objectives of the TGO mission. In this study, we assess the possibility of enhancing LNO nadir data SNR by applying the Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF), a well-known algorithm based on the Principal Components technique that has the advantage of providing transform eigenvalues ordered with increasing noise. We set up a benchmark process on an ensemble of synthetic spectra in order to optimize the algorithm specifically for LNO datasets. We verify that this optimization is limited by the presence of spectral artifacts introduced by the MNF itself, and the maximum achievable SNR is dependent on the scientific purpose of the analysis. MNF application study cases are provided to LNO data subsets in the ranges 2.627–2.648 μm and 2.335–2.353 μm (spectral orders 168 and 189, respectively) covering absorption features of gaseous H2O and CO and CO2 ice, achieving a substantial enhancement in the quality of the observations, whose SNR increases up to a factor of 10. While such an enhancement is still not enough to enable the investigation of spectral features of faint trace gases (in any case featured in orders whose spectral calibration is not fully reliable, hence preventing the application of the MNF), interesting perspectives for improving retrieval of both atmospheric and surface features from LNO nadir data are implied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second part of Stolzenbach et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022JE007276), named hereafter Paper I, extends the period to the end of MY 34 and the first half of MY 35. This encompasses the end phase of the MY 34 Global Dust Storm (GDS), the MY 34 C‐Storm, the Aphelion Cloud Belt (ACB) season of MY 35, and an unusual early dust event of MY 35 from LS 30° to LS 55°. The end of MY 34 overall aerosol size distribution shows the same parameters for dust and water ice to what was seen during the MY 34 GDS. Interestingly, the layered water ice vertical structure of MY 34 GDS disappears. The MY 34 C‐Storm maintains condition like the MY 34 GDS. A high latitude layer of bigger water ice particles, close to 1 μm, is seen from 50 to 60 km. This layered structure is linked to an enhanced meridional transport characteristic of high intensity dust event which put the MY 34 C‐Storm as particularly intense compared to non‐GDS years C‐Storms as previously suggested by Holmes et al. (2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2021.117109). Surprisingly, MY 35 began with an unusually large dust event (Kass et al., 2020, https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020AGUFMP039...01K) found in the Northern hemisphere during LS 35° to LS 50°. During this dust event, the altitude of aerosol first detection is roughly equal to 20 km. This is close to the values encountered during the MY 34 GDS, its decay phase and the C‐Storm of the same year. Nonetheless, no vertical layered structure was observed. Plain Language Summary: Mars has a peculiar tendency, in one in every three Martian year, the entire planet is covered by dust suspended in the atmosphere. These events are referred as Global Dust Storms (GDS). The dust is lifted by fierce winds from the ground up to 80 km high. The mixture of water ice crystals and dust particle in the air of Mars change how the incoming Sun light warms the atmosphere. It is then of a crucial importance to properly characterize the nature and size of the aerosols, especially during a GDS, to better understand the dynamics of the Martian atmosphere. The spacecraft (ESA/Roscosmos) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has been studying the Martian atmosphere since April 2018 and observed a GDS but also other and less intense dust storms. These data help us distinguish the aerosols nature (dust and water ice) and sizes during these distinct types of dust events. Our study confirms that, globally, the particles of dust and water ice are quite small, close to 1 μm or even less. Their distribution varies a lot, meaning that one may find a lot of different particle sizes or lot of similar sized particles. Key Points: MY 34 C‐Storm aerosol effective size and vertical structure is similar to MY 34 Global Dust Storm (GDS)MY 35 early dust event aerosol shows similar effective size and vertical structure as MY 34 GDSMY 34 GDS leads to more intense C‐Storm and an unusual early storm at the start of MY 35 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) science operations in April 2018, its instrument "Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery" (NOMAD) supplies detailed observations of the IR spectrums of the Martian atmosphere. We developed a procedure that allows us to evaluate the composition and distribution's parameters of the atmospheric Martian aerosols. We use a retrieval program (RCP) in conjunction with a radiative forward model (KOPRA) to evaluate the vertical profile of aerosol extinction from NOMAD measurements. We then apply a model/data fitting strategy of the aerosol extinction. In this first article, we describe the method used to evaluate the parameters representing the Martian aerosol composition and size distribution. MY 34 GDS showed a peak intensity from LS 190° to 210°. During this period, the aerosol content rises multiple scale height, reaching altitudes up to 100 km. The lowermost altitude of aerosol's detection during NOMAD observation rises up to 30 km. Dust aerosols reff were observed to be close to 1 μm and its νeff lower than 0.2. Water ice aerosols reff were observed to be submicron with a νeff lower than 0.2. The vertical aerosol structure can be divided in two parts. The lower layers are represented by higher reff than the upper layers. The change between the lower and upper layers is very steep, taking only few kilometers. The decaying phase of the GDS, LS 210°–260°, shows a decrease in altitude of the aerosol content but no meaningful difference in the observed aerosol's size distribution parameters. Plain Language Summary: Mars' atmosphere is filled with dust and water ice particles carried by the winds. These aerosols affect the way sunlight is distributed in the atmosphere and on the surface, and this directly affects temperature. In addition, approximately every three Martian years, Mars experiences what is known as a "global dust storm." This type of dust storm covers the entire red planet in dust. It affects the temperature and water vapor content of the Martian atmosphere. Determining and assessing aerosol properties, number, size and mass during and after a global dust storm is of crucial importance to understanding its underlying mechanisms. Here, we develop an analysis scheme to study the size, nature, number and distribution of Martian aerosols. Our study confirms that, overall, dust and water ice particles are quite small, close to 1 μm or even smaller, and that a global dust storm affects the intensity of other storms that follow. Key Points: Retrieval of Martian aerosols key properties from NOMAD‐SO data during the MY 34 GDSMesospheric dust and water ice reff are mainly ∼1 μm and ≤0.5 μm respectively during the MY 34 GDS and its decay phaseDuring the MY 34 GDS, the effective variance shows a slight N/S asymmetry and values mainly ≤0.2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present CO density profiles up to about 100 km in the Martian atmosphere obtained for the first time from retrievals of solar occultation measurements by the Nadir and Occultation for Mars Discovery (NOMAD) onboard ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO). CO is an important trace gas on Mars, as it is controlled by CO2 photolysis, chemical reaction with the OH radicals, and the global dynamics. However, the measurements of CO vertical profiles have been elusive until the arrival of TGO. We show how the NOMAD CO variations describe very well the Mars general circulation. We observe a depletion of CO in the upper troposphere and mesosphere during the peak period, LS = 190°–200°, more pronounced over the northern latitudes, confirming a similar result recently reported by Atmospheric Chemistry Suite onboard TGO. However, in the lower troposphere around 20 km, and at least at high latitudes of the S. hemisphere, NOMAD CO mixing ratios increase over 1,500 ppmv during the GDS (Global Dust Storm) onset. This might be related to the downwelling branch of the Hadley circulation. A subsequent increase in tropospheric CO is observed during the decay phase of the GDS around LS = 210°–250° when the dust loading is still high. This could be associated with a reduction in the amount of OH radicals in the lower atmosphere due to lack of solar insolation. Once the GDS is over, CO steadily decreases globally during the southern summer season. A couple of distinct CO patterns associated with the Summer solstice and equinox circulation are reported and discussed. Plain Language Summary: CO is an extremely interesting trace species in the Martian atmosphere. It has been used for both dynamical and photochemical studies of the atmosphere. But its vertical distribution has not been systematically measured until the arrival of the Exomars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO). We use observations of the NOMAD (Nadir and Occultation for Mars Discovery) spectrometer onboard TGO to retrieve full profiles of mixing ratios of CO up to 100 km with a good vertical resolution. The retrievals cover two Martian seasons during which a global dust storm event occurred. We have found the behavior of CO during this event to be governed by local chemistry as well as by the long range transport. During the dust storm, CO mixing ratios are depleted all over the globe while over the southern high latitudes, we discover an increase in CO due to transport from low latitudes during the end of the southern winter. The dynamical effect of global transport is found in the vertical distribution of CO during the southern summer. Another important result, where the local chemistry might be at play is the increase of CO in the low altitudes over low and midlatitudes during the decay phase of the GDS. Key Points: Global map of CO profiles from Nadir and Occultation for Mars Discovery solar occultation observations during the first year of Trace Gas Orbiter operations is presented for the first timeDuring the onset of the 2018 global dust storm (GDS), the CO volume mixing ratios (VMRs) are found to be depleted by 28% at 50 km compared to the average CO VMR valuesHigh CO abundance at tropospheric altitudes is observed over NH during decay of the GDS when the atmospheric dust loading is high [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the payload of the 2016 ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) mission, the Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery (NOMAD) suite instrument has been observing the Martian atmosphere since March 2018. NOMAD is mainly dedicated to the study of trace atmospheric species taking advantage of a high-spectral resolution. We demonstrate that when NOMAD is observing in nadir mode, i.e., when the line-of-sight points to the centre of Mars, it can be also exploited to detect ice. In this study we present a method based on the investigation of nadir observations of the NOMAD infrared channel, acquired during Mars Years 34 and 35 (March 2018 to February 2021). We take advantage of the strong water ice absorption band at 2.7 µm by selecting the diffraction orders 167, 168, and 169. We derive the Frost and Clouds Index (FCI), which is a good proxy for ice mapping, and obtain latitudinal-seasonal maps for water ice clouds. FCI is sensitive to the Polar Hood clouds. Nevertheless, detections in the Aphelion Cloud Belt (ACB) are limited. This is consistent with previous observations showing different physical properties between the two main Martian atmospheric structures and making the ACB less detectable in the infrared. We hence derive the infrared nadir channel sensitivity limit for the detection of these clouds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery instrument aboard Trace Gas Orbiter, we derived the CO/CO2 profiles between 75 and 105 km altitude with the equivalent width technique. The derived CO/CO2 profiles showed significant seasonal variations in the southern hemisphere with decreases near perihelion and increases near aphelion. The estimation of the CO/CO2 profiles with a one‐dimensional photochemical model shows that an altitude‐dependent eddy diffusion coefficient better reproduces the observed profiles than a vertically uniform one. Our estimation suggests that the eddy diffusion coefficient in Ls = 240–270 is uniformly larger by a factor of ∼2 than that in Ls = 90–120 in the southern hemisphere, while they are comparable in the northern hemisphere. This fact demonstrates that the eddy diffusion coefficient is variable with season and latitude. Plain Language Summary: The eddy diffusion coefficient is widely used to parameterize the efficiency of vertical diffusion in the planetary atmosphere, whose variation characterizes the transportation of trace gas species. Additionally, it could vary their vertical distributions in the middle and upper atmosphere, which might cause an impact on the species escaping to space. However, the variability of the eddy diffusion coefficient in those altitude regions have been poorly understood. In this study, we focus on the estimation of variation in the eddy diffusion coefficient by analyzing the CO and CO2 measurements made by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. The observed CO/CO2 ratio between altitudes of 75 and 105 km shows a significant seasonal variation in the southern hemisphere. The observed CO/CO2 profiles are compared with the simulated profiles obtained with a one‐dimensional photochemical model assigning several shapes and intensity of eddy diffusion coefficient. The comparison shows that the eddy diffusion coefficient is not constant but variable depending on altitude, season, and latitude, which suggests that the efficiency of the vertical diffusion varies with season and latitude. This fact is useful to other 1D photochemical models to reproduce the seasonal and latitudinal variation of atmospheric composition. Key Points: The CO/CO2 profiles from 75 to 105 km measured by NOMAD aboard TGO are used to investigate variations in the eddy diffusion coefficientThe estimated CO/CO2 profiles agree well with the observed profiles if altitude‐dependent eddy diffusion coefficients are consideredOur results demonstrate a substantial seasonal variation in the eddy diffusion coefficient in the southern hemisphere [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertical opacity structure of the martian atmosphere is important for understanding the distribution of ice (water and carbon dioxide) and dust. We present a new data set of extinction opacity profiles from the NOMAD/UVIS spectrometer aboard the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, covering one and a half Mars Years (MY) including the MY 34 Global Dust Storm and several regional dust storms. We discuss specific mesospheric cloud features and compare with existing literature and a Mars Global Climate Model (MGCM) run with data assimilation. Mesospheric opacity features, interpreted to be water ice, were present during the global and regional dust events and correlate with an elevated hygropause in the MGCM, providing evidence that regional dust storms can boost transport of vapor to mesospheric altitudes (with potential implications for atmospheric escape). The season of the dust storms also had an apparent impact on the resulting lifetime of the cloud features, with events earlier in the dusty season correlating with longer‐lasting mesospheric cloud layers. Mesospheric opacity features were also present during the dusty season even in the absence of regional dust storms, and interpreted to be water ice based on previous literature. The assimilated MGCM temperature structure agreed well with the UVIS opacities, but the MGCM opacity field struggled to reproduce mesospheric ice features, suggesting a need for further development of water ice parameterizations. The UVIS opacity data set offers opportunities for further research into the vertical aerosol structure of the martian atmosphere, and for validation of how this is represented in numerical models. Plain Language Summary: The martian atmosphere contains several kinds of aerosol, including dust, water ice, and carbon dioxide ice. The NOMAD/UVIS spectrometer aboard the ExoMars Trace Gas orbiter is able to measure the opacity of the atmosphere at different heights by looking through the atmosphere at the Sun, and these opacities provide information on the vertical aerosol distribution. We present a new data set of these opacities for one and a half Mars Years, a period including one Global Dust Storm and several smaller regional‐scale dust storms. By comparing with a martian climate model and previous work we discuss some noteable features in the UVIS data. We see the presence of high‐altitude water ice clouds associated with the Global Dust Storm and several regional dust storms, and find that the lifetime of these cloud layers seems to depend on the seasonal timing of the relevant dust event. These layers also correlate with an elevated higher‐altitude water vapor presence, showing that large dust storms boost the upwards transport of water vapor; this could enhance atmospheric escape of hydrogen. The model temperature structure is consistent with the UVIS results, but the model aerosol field shows a need for improvement in its representation of high‐altitude water ice. Key Points: Mesospheric water ice clouds were present in ExoMars/UVIS opacity profiles during a global and three regional dust stormsMesospheric water ice correlated with elevated hygropause, showing storms boost vertical water transport with hydrogen escape implicationsPerihelion season mesospheric water ice was also present even in the absence of global/regional dust storm activity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present observations of terminator CO2 ice clouds events in three groups: Equatorial dawn, Equatorial dusk (both between 20°S and 20°N) and Southern midlatitudes at dawn (45°S and 55°S east of Hellas Basin) with ESA ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter's Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery instrument. CO2 ice abundance is retrieved simultaneously with water ice, dust, and particle sizes, and rotational temperature and CO2 column profiles in 16 of 26 cases. Small particles (<0.5 μm) prevail at dusk, while water ice likely provides most source nuclei at dawn. Clouds east of Hellas are found to be dominantly nucleated on surface‐lifted dust. CO2 ice is sometimes detected in unsaturated air together with dust nuclei at dawn, suggesting ongoing sublimation. Depending on latitude and local time, the interplay between particle precipitation and the lifetime of temperature minima (i.e., cold pockets) determines CO2 ice properties. Plain Language Summary: The upper atmosphere of Mars is characterized by the seasonal presence of CO2 ice clouds. Their properties have been long studied, as well as their formation mechanisms in relation to the thermal structure of the atmosphere and its variability. In this study, we present the first observations of these clouds at the terminator (dawn and dusk) by the NOMAD spectrometer onboard the Exomars Trace Gas Orbiter. CO2 ice is detected simultaneously with dust, water ice and the temperature profile. Our results agree with previous findings in terms of how clouds are spatially distributed and their temporal occurrence. However, we also explore the sources of condensation nuclei for CO2 ice particles, showing that water ice is a possible source at dawn near the Equator. We also identify surface‐lifted dust below the CO2 ice clouds observed east of Hellas Basin, suggesting that, at that location, dust could provide nuclei for CO2 ice. CO2 ice is also sometimes detected at temperatures higher than the CO2 freezing point, suggesting ongoing sublimation. In this work we explore for the first time the composition of CO2 ice clouds, which is critical to advance our understanding of how CO2 ice clouds form in the mesosphere at Mars. Key Points: Twenty Six mesospheric CO2 ice clouds were detected with NOMAD SO in Mars Year 35, simultaneously with water ice, dust, and CO2 saturation ratiosEquatorial CO2 clouds are observed at 50–80 km altitude at dusk, and 40–60 km at dawn, when water ice likely provides condensation nucleiSix CO2 ice clouds are found east of Hellas basin; their formation is likely sourced by surface‐lifted dust at 40–65 km [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here vertically resolved measurements of the carbon isotopic composition of CO 2 in the Martian atmosphere between the surface and 50 km of altitude. The results are based on data taken by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter with the NOMAD instrument and have been aggregated to derive an average vertical profile of 13C/12C. We find no seasonal or spatial trends with variabilities beyond the sensitivity of the measurements. For the analysis, we developed a method that allows us to estimate whether the observed variability of isotopic measurements is beyond their intrinsic accuracy, by exploiting ab-initio spectroscopy and the radiometric noise of the instrument. Applying this method to our data, we find that atmospheric CO 2 is depleted in 13C compared to the Earth standard by 30‰ to 45‰, in line with previous ground-based measurements values of the atmosphere and in contrast with the average value obtained by Curiosity at the surface (46 ± 4‰). These differences in isotopic signatures of CO 2 as measured across the atmosphere and near-surface pose new questions when inferring the evolution and history of carbon on Mars, and suggest that processes such as a strong atmosphere-surface interactions may be fractionating the carbon reservoirs on the planet. • The 13C/12C isotopic ratio in CO 2 is derived in the lower atmosphere of Mars with NOMAD data. • There is indication that CO 2 at 20–35 km of altitude is depleted in 13C compared to Earth Standard. • A quantitative method to characterize retrieval uncertainty with spectroscopy is presented. • Surface-atmosphere processes should be investigated to explain the discrepancies between values from NOMAD and Curiosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A complete spectral in-flight calibration of NOMAD is presented. • A model to compute spectral continuum is produced as a function of instrument properties. • NOMAD sensitivity to atmospheric CH 4 is evaluated with different aerosol loads. • NOMAD sensitivity to CH 4 in Solar Occultation is on sub-ppbv level. • NOMAD will be able to trace seasonal trends for CH 4 with nadir observations. Abstract The Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery instrument (NOMAD), onboard the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) spacecraft was conceived to observe Mars in solar occultation, nadir, and limb geometries, and will be able to produce an outstanding amount of diverse data, mostly focused on properties of the atmosphere. The infrared channels of the instrument operate by combining an echelle grating spectrometer with an Acousto-Optical Tunable Filter (AOTF). Using in-flight data, we characterized the instrument performance and parameterized its calibration. In particular: an accurate frequency calibration was achieved, together with its variability due to thermal effects on the grating. The AOTF properties and transfer function were also quantified, and we developed and tested a realistic method to compute the spectral continuum transmitted through the coupled grating and AOTF system. The calibration results enabled unprecedented insights into the important problem of the sensitivity of NOMAD to methane abundances in the atmosphere. We also deeply characterized its performance under realistic conditions of varying aerosol abundances, diverse albedos and changing illumination conditions as foreseen over the nominal mission. The results show that, in low aerosol conditions, NOMAD single spectrum, 1σ sensitivity to CH 4 is around 0.33 ppbv at 20 km of altitude when performing solar occultations, and better than 1 ppbv below 30 km. In dusty conditions, we show that the sensitivity drops to 0 below 10 km. In Nadir geometry, results demonstrate that NOMAD will be able to produce seasonal maps of CH 4 with a sensitivity around 5 ppbv over most of planet's surface with spatial integration over 5 × 5° bins. Results show also that such numbers can be improved by a factor of ~10 to ~30 by data binning. Overall, our results quantify NOMAD's capability to address the variable aspects of Martian climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery (NOMAD) is a 3-channel spectrometer suite that is currently orbiting Mars onboard ESA's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, measuring the composition of the Martian atmosphere in unprecedented detail. Of the three channels, two operate in the infrared: the Solar Occultation (SO) channel observes gas species in the 2.2–4.3 ​μm spectral region in solar occultation mode, while the Limb, Nadir and Occultation (LNO) channel observes in the 2.2–3.8 ​μm spectral region and can operate in limb-, nadir- and solar occultation-pointing modes. The Ultraviolet–VISible (UVIS) channel operates in the UV–visible region, from 200 to 650 ​nm. Both infrared channels have a spectral resolution typically an order of magnitude better than previous instruments orbiting Mars, to measure molecular absorption lines and therefore determine the abundances of constituents of the Martian atmosphere and the processes that govern their distribution and transport. To maximise the full potential of the instrument, a wide range of calibration measurements were made prior to launch and continue to be made in-flight. This work, part 1, addresses the aspects of the SO channel calibration that are not covered elsewhere, namely: the SO channel ground calibration setup, boresight pointing vector determination, detector characterisation, detector illumination pattern and saturation levels, and an investigation of the instrument line shape. An accompanying paper, part 2, addresses similar aspects for LNO, the other infrared channel in NOMAD (Thomas et al., 2021, this issue). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than a full Martian year of observations have now been made by the Nadir Occultation for MArs Discovery (NOMAD) instrument suite on-board the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. Radiative transfer modeling of NOMAD observations taken in the nadir geometry enable the seasonal and global-scale variations of carbon monoxide gas in the Martian atmosphere to be characterized. These retrievals show the column-averaged volume mixing ratio of carbon monoxide to be about 800 ppmv, with significant variations at high latitudes caused by the condensation and sublimation of the background CO 2 gas. Near summer solstice in each hemisphere, the CO volume mixing ratio falls to 400 ppmv in the south and 600 ppmv in the north. At low latitudes, carbon monoxide volume mixing ratio inversely follows the annual cycle of surface pressure. Comparison of our retrieved CO volume mixing ratio against that computed by the GEM-Mars general circulation model reveals a good match in their respective seasonal and spatial trends, and can provide insight into the physical processes that control the distribution of CO gas in the current Martian atmosphere. • The global, seasonal distribution of CO gas is retrieved from NOMAD nadir observations. • Globally averaged CO abundance is ~800 ppm, but with strong seasonal variations. • GCM modeling can provide insight into physical processes behind retrieved abundances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane (CH 4) on Mars has attracted a great deal of attention since it was first detected in January 2003. As methane is considered a potential marker for past/present biological or geological activity, any possible detection would require evidence with strong statistical significance. Ethane (C 2 H 6) and ethylene (C 2 H 4) are also relevant chemical species as their shorter lifetimes in the Martian atmosphere make them excellent tracers for recent and ongoing releases. If detected, a CH 4 /C 2 H n ratio could aid in constraining the potential source of organic production. Here we present the results of an extensive search for hydrocarbons in the Martian atmosphere in 240,000 solar occultation measurements performed by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter/NOMAD instrument from April 2018 to April 2019. The observations are global, covering all longitudes and latitudes from 85°N to 85°S, and sampled from 6 to 100 km altitude with a typical vertical resolution of 2 km. There were no statistically significant detections of organics and new stringent upper limits for global ethane and ethylene were set at 0.1 ppbv and 0.7 ppbv, respectively. No global background level of methane was observed, obtaining an upper limit of 0.06 ppbv, in agreement with early results from ExoMars (Korablev et al., 2019). Dedicated searches for localized plumes at more than 2000 locations provided no positive detections, implying that if methane were released in strong and rapid events, the process would have to be sporadic. • A full year of Mars observation with global coverage yield no methane detections. • Search for global background level as well as localized plumes were conducted. • Methane upper limits down to 0.06 ppbv, lower than previous detections, were obtained above an altitude of 6 km. • Search for ethane and ethylene gave upper limits of 0.1 and 0.7 ppbv respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NOMAD ("Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery") spectrometer suite on board the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has been designed to investigate the composition of Mars' atmosphere, with a particular focus on trace gases, clouds and dust. This will allow for a major leap in our knowledge and understanding of the Martian atmospheric composition and the related physical and chemical processes. NOMAD will conduct a spectroscopic survey of Mars' atmosphere in ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) wavelengths covering large parts of the 0.2-4.3 µm spectral range [1,2]. NOMAD is composed of 3 spectrometers: a solar occultation dedicated spectrometer (SO – Solar Occultation) operating in the infrared (2.3-4.3 µm), a second infrared spectrometer (2.3-3.8 µm) capable of doing nadir, but also solar occultation and limb observations (LNO – Limb Nadir and solar Occultation) [3], and an ultraviolet/visible spectrometer (UVIS – UV visible, 200-650 nm) that can work in all three observation modes [4].Science phase started in April 2018. Since then NOMAD performed solar occultation and nadir observations using different options to test the instrument under various conditions. Several atmospheric species have been targeted, delivering profiles from solar occultation from 200 km down to the surface and integrated abundances from nadir measurements. Observations optimized for the detection of dust and clouds have also been performed. We will present first results from nadir and solar occultation observations, with an emphasis on the detection of the dust storm observed in June 2018 and afterwards, and its impact on the composition of the atmosphere in particular on water and D/H ratio. References[1] Vandaele, A.C., et al., 2015. Planet. Space Sci. 119, 233-249.[2] Vandaele et al., 2018. Space Sci. Rev., 214:80, doi.org/10.1007/s11214-11018-10517-11212.[3] Neefs et al., 2015. Applied Optics 54, 8494-8520.[4] Patel et al., 2017. Applied Optics 56, 2771-2782. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone is a highly reactive species on Mars. In particular, it displays steep gradients across the terminator due to photolysis [4]. Odd hydrogen radicals play an important role in the destruction of ozone. This results in a strong anti-correlation between O3 and H2O [4].Here, we will present first retrievals of ozone vertical profiles obtained from NOMAD-UVIS solar occultations. NOMAD will help us improve our knowledge of the climatology of ozone and of its complex photochemistry.The NOMAD (Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery) – operating onboard the ExoMars 2016 Trace Gas Orbiter satellite – started to acquire the first scientific measurements on 21 April 2018.It is a spectrometer composed of 3 channels: 1) a solar occultation channel (SO) operating in the infrared (2.3-4.3 μm); 2) a second infrared channel LNO (2.3-3.8 μm) capable of doing nadir, as well as solar occultation and limb; and 3) an ultraviolet/visible channel UVIS (200-650 nm) that can work in the three observation modes [1,2]. The UVIS channel has a spectral resolution <1.5 nm. In the solar occultation mode it is mainly devoted to study the climatology of ozone and aerosols content [3]. We will present first retrievals of ozone vertical profiles. NOMAD-UVIS spectra are simulated using the line-by-line radiative transfer code ASIMUT-ALVL developed at IASB-BIRA [5]. In a preliminary study based on SPICAM-UV solar occultations (See [6]), ASIMUT was modified in order to take into account the atmospheric composition and structure at the day-night terminator. We followed the same method described in [7] to check that the spectra are correctly calibrated and accurately normalized to the solar spectrum. As input for ASIMUT, we used gradients predicted by the 3D GEM-Mars v4 Global Circulation Model (GCM) [8,9] and the UK version of the LMD GCM. UVIS ozone profiles will also be compared to SPICAM-UV retrievals.References:[1] Vandaele, A.C., et al., Planetary and Space Science, Vol. 119, pp. 233–249, 2015. [2] Neefs, E., et al., Applied Optics, Vol. 54 (28), pp. 8494-8520, 2015.[3] M.R. Patel et al., In: Appl. Opt. 56.10 (2017), pp. 2771–2782. DOI: 10.1364/AO.56.002771.[4] Lefèvre, F., et al., Aug. 2008. Nature 454, 971–975.[5] Vandaele, A.C., et al., JGR, 2008. 113 doi:10.1029/2008JE003140.[6] Piccialli, A., EPSC 2018.[7] Trompet, L., et al., 2016. Applied Optics 55, 9275-9281. [8] Neary, L., and F. Daerden (2018), Icarus, 300, 458–476, doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2017.09.028.[9] Daerden, F.; et al., GRL, 2015, 42, 18, 7319-7326. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]