DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF THE MERIDIONAL CIRCULATION IN THE STRATOSPHERE DURING THE IGY
Abstract
The mean meridional circulation in the stratosphere of the northern hemisphere is determined from IGY data available for a network of approximately 240 stations during the period July 1957 - June 1958. Zonal averages for every 5 degrees latitude from the equator to 80 degrees N are presented. The yearly average suggests at 100 mb a three cell pattern with poleward motion north of 55 degrees N, equatorial motion from 15 to 55 degrees N and weak poleward motion from the equator to 15 degrees N. At higher levels equatorward motions are observed in middle and low latitudes. The highest meridional velocity of +60 cm/sec is observed at 70 degrees N at the 100 mb level. These averages are compared with similar results for the southern hemisphere. Vertical velocities, computed adiabatically at 75 and 40 mb, made it possible to estimate the contribution of the diabatic heating to the horizontal meridional velocities at 50 mb, and also to give an estimate of the diabatic heating itself. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0292145
Entities
People
- Abraham H. Oort
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology