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Variation in the stratospheric aerosol associated with the North Cyclonic Polar Vortex as measured by the SAM II satellite sensorOptical depth data gathered by the stratospheric aerosol measurement (SAM II) satellite during the 1979-80 winter season are analyzed to study mean atmospheric motions. The spacecraft photometer yielded extinction rates over the Northern Hemisphere in the 8-30 km altitude interval. Filtering was performed to remove the effects of high clouds and polar stratospheric clouds. Free horizontal mixing was prevalent below 14 km, as was a systematic difference across the polar jet stream above that altitude. The aerosol declined in altitude as the winter progressed. The polar vortex is concluded to have a base at the 14 km altitude and an outer boundary which coincides with the jet stream axis. The model accords with atmospheric tracer measurements made during the open-air nuclear testing programs in the 1950s.
Document ID
19850064273
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kent, G. S.
(Institute for Atmospheric Optics and Remote Sensing Hampton, VA, United States)
Farrukh, U. O.
(Institute for Atmospheric Optics and Remote Sensing Hampton, VA, United States)
Trepte, C. R.
(SASC Technologies, Inc. Hampton, VA, United States)
Mccormick, M. P.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
July 15, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
Volume: 42
ISSN: 0022-4928
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
85A46424
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-17165
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-17032
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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