Southern Hemisphere Stratospheric Circulation as Indicated by Shipboard Meteorological Rocket Observations

Abstract

Meteorological data from the NASA Mobile Launch Expedition aboard USNS Croatan are utilized to investigate the early autumn stratospheric circulation of the Southern Hemisphere. Time-height and cross-section analyses indicate the vertical and areal extent of the developing wintertime polar vortex. A comparison is made between this cyclone and that of the Northern Hemisphere at a similar stage of development. Additional sets of analyses illustrate segments of the circulation patterns in both hemispheres along the 78th meridian at the time period of the Croatan observations.