Vertical and horizontal wind variations in troposphere and lower stratosphere

Abstract

The results of an analysis of a sample data tape obtained from the Poker Flat, Alaska, MST radar has been analyzed, and the results are presented. The tape records the spatial and temporal variations of vertical and horizontal winds in the troposphere and lower stratosphere from January 31, to February 3, 1982. A time series of vertical velocity with a time resolution of about two minutes showed evidence of periodic, through less regular, oscillations with amplitudes of 0.5-1.0 m/s. The diurnal plot of a one-hour averaged vertical velocity showed a value very close to zero. The zonal velocity averaged over this period generally showed an eastward trend with magnitude of variation in the range 5-20 m/s at heights of 12.5, 14.7, and 16.9 km with more variability at 10.3 km. The meridional velocity generally remained southward at higher heights with fluctuation magnitudes varying between 1 and 10 m/s and again with more variability at 10.3 km altitude. (C.D.)