Initial Results from the Use of Ionic Anemometers Under Stratospheric Balloons: Application to the High-Resolution Analysis of Stratospheric Motions

Abstract

A new kind of sounding is described. The relative horizontal wind between a balloon and a gondola located below it, is measured by means of high-resolution anemometers. The integration along the vertical of the relative wind gives the vertical profile of the atmospheric flow. Two examples are presented. During the sounding, clear air turbulence (CAT) is detected. An example of the CAT structure in the middle stratosphere is presented. Laboratory and in-flight calibrations of the anemometers are outlined.