Mean meridional circulation in the Southern Hemisphere stratosphere during the polar night

Atmospheric structure derived from satellite, multichannel radiance data is used to calculate zonally averaged vertical motions in the wintertime stratosphere of both hemispheres. The Northern Hemisphere calculations confirm the two celled meridional circulation calculated by previous authors. The Southern Hemisphere results show a three celled structure with descending motion over the South Pole. The variability of the mean meridional circulation in the Southern Hemisphere in relation to the presence or absence of a minor midwinter warming is also discussed.