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Introduction

Under the project RADChiS (Research on Atmospheric Dynamics and Chemistry in Suriname, funded 1998-2002) an observation site was established in Paramaribo, Suriname, measuring:

• total ozone, UV [van Weele et al., 2000] and Umkehr (zenith sky observations during dusk and dawn) with a Brewer MKIII, since March 1999;
• profiles of ozone, wind, pressure, temperature and humidity with weekly balloon soundings, since September 1999.

Paramaribo station (5.8° N 55.2° W) lies at the north-coast of South America, about in the middle of the latitudinal migration range of the ITCZ in this region (cf. Figure 1). Hence, air from the Northern/Southern Hemisphere is sampled here, respectively during the short/long dry season (Feb-Mar/Sep-Nov), as well as air within and around the ITCZ, during the two rainy seasons (Dec-Jan and Apr-Jul).

Figure 1. The position of Paramaribo station (indicated with a cross) with respect to the Equator (blue dotted line) and the migrating ITCZ (cloudy band).