Impact of a stratospheric warming event in January 2001 on the minor constituents in the MLT region calculated on the basis of a new 3D-model LIMA of the dynamics and chemistry of the middle atmosphere

The impact of a stratospheric warming event upon the minor constituents in the MLT region has been investigated by means of a new 3D-model of the dynamics and chemistry of the middle atmosphere. The Leibniz-Institute Middle Atmosphere (LIMA) model assimilates the temperature and wind data of the troposphere/lower stratosphere according to global European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) data for the year 2001 and calculates their effect on the mesospheric dynamics and chemistry. In a case study of an individual event at the end of January 2001, we discuss the marked aeronomic changes connected with the stratospheric warming event. In particular, we consider the diurnal variations of the most important minor constituents such as ozone and hydrogen radicals. Additionally, we also calculate the chemical heating rate which is important for the dynamics of the mesopause region.