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The tropospheric-stratospheric polar vortex breakdown of January 1977An extraordinary warming of the stratosphere in December-January 1976-77 was followed by tropospheric warming in the polar region and cooling in middle latitudes. During January 10-20, the associated polar anticyclone extended from the surface to 10 mb. Antecedents of the polar vortex breakdown are reviewed with the aid of results of zonal-harmonic analyses of planetary waves, for heights of the pressure surfaces (700-10 mb), temperature, and mean stratospheric temperature (the latter determined from satellite radiation measurements). Wave 1 in height and temperature played a dominant role in the stratosphere, attaining amplitudes of 1600 gpm and 25 C, respectively, at 10 mb. On the other hand, superposition of retrogressing wave 1 and quasi-stationary wave 2 in the height of the 300-mb surface, with individual amplitudes exceeding 300 gpm, is judged to have been an important factor in the overall development.
Document ID
19770048155
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Quiroz, R. S.
(NOAA, National Meteorological Center Washington, D.C., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 4
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
77A31007
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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