The first winter of MAP-dynamics, 1982-1983: A winter with three different warming periods

A synoptic description is given for the first winter of the Middle Atmosphere Program's atmospheric dynamics efforts for 1982-83. After a cold early winter period three warming periods were observed at the end of December, the end of January, and the end of February. In March a pronounced late winter cooling occurred in the upper stratosphere, whereas in the lower levels the final warming started slowly, but was not accomplished before mid-April. The momentum budget, calculated from the daily height and temperature charts, is discussed in terms of the divergence of the Eliassen-Palm-Vector.