A STATISTICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE TROPOPAUSE OVER THE CENTRAL TROPICAL PACIFIC
Abstract
Tropopause heights and temperatures at Johnston Island and Majuro, Marshall Islands, are statistically analyzed. The analyses reveal that these parameters have Gaussian distributions, have no significant diurnal variations, and have significant seasonal variations. While there appears to be no latitudinal variation of tropopause height, there is an apparent latitudinal tropopause temperature gradient. The wind structure in the vicinity of the tropopause is examined. In 16 to 30% of the observations there are two major lapse rate discontinuities, indicating the apparent presence of multiple, foliated, or diffuse tropopause situations. An apparent relationship between the seasonal standard deviation of tropopause height and the frequency of occurrence of significant vertical wind shears in the vicinity of the tropopause is observed. Some inferences are drawn regarding the mechanism of tropopause maintenance over the central, tropical Pacific. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0272552
Entities
People
- Richard S. Greenfield
Organizations
- New York University