Fig 1.3.2.2.4.5.1: Nadir mode scan.

In a nadir mode scan the instrument records the earthshine radiance below the satellite.

The short light path enables the detection of species in the troposphere (below ~15 km). The nadir geometry is well suited to the detection of the total column amounts of various trace gases. Ozone profiles may also be retrieved, but at a lower vertical resolution than for limb or occultation.