Some remarks to the results of upper atmosphere wind measurements obtained at Collm and Juliusruh
Climatology of winds at the midlatitude mesopause region
Long-term measurements in the mesopause region enables us to set up
a reliable climatology of wind parameters (prevailing wind, tidal wind
parameters) in the height range of 85 - 105 km. In collaboration with the
Institute of Atmospheric Physics Kuehlungsborn (their measurements are at
the Juliusruh measuring site), since 1990 these investigations can be
extended down to heights below 75 km. The results are included in empirical
wind models of the middle atmosphere and serve as background information for
experimental and numerical investigations.
Our Collm long-term measurements enable us to detect trends and
oscillations even at relatively long time scales. With aid of the measurements
we are able to estimate the influence of lower and middle atmosphere
variability on the mesopause dynamics, which in turn can be taken as an
indicator for atmospheric variability. The figures give a climatology
of prevailing horizontal winds at mesopause heights and Collm time series
of mesopause wind parameters.
Climatology of prevailing horizontal winds at mesopause heights in the course
of the year, taken from a joint analysis of Collm and Juliusruh measurements.
The surface shows the zonal prevailing wind component (positive eastwards),
the contours show the meridional prevailing component (positive [red]
northwards).
Collm time series of mesopause wind parameters in winter (December - February)
and summer (June - August). Note the strong interannual variability and the
long time scales of the variations. The negative long-term trend within the
semidiurnal tidal wind amplitude is possibly connected with the stratospheric
ozone loss.
| Homepage
| we and others
| Uni-Leipzig
|
Comments and Critics: schminde@rz.uni-leipzig.de
Last change: February 1997
