Comment on acp-2021-514

Abstract

This paper by Randel et al. investigates the coupling between ozone and temperature variability in the tropical lower stratosphere. Related information is extracted from different observational datasets, including balloon and satellite data, and compared to results from an idealized model based mainly on zonal mean vertical advection and radiation. A particular focus is laid on the O3/T ratio which is found to change as a function of frequency and altitude. The idealized model results compare qualitatively well with the observation-based results showing that the common variability in tropical ozone and temperatures can indeed be interpreted as coupled response to variability in tropical upwelling, including ozone radiative feedback. Furthermore, the idealized model shows that for fast frequency variability the O3/T ratio is controlled by transport whereas for slow variations it is controlled by radiative processes.