The Impact of Stratospheric Variability on Measurement Programs for Minor Constituents

Abstract

The scales of temporal and spatial variations in stratospheric minor species concentrations and dynamical quantities are briefly reviewed. Despite the fact that the stratosphere is often considered to he a very quiescent region of the atmosphere, it exhibits transient and generally unpredictable episodes of intense activity. The resultant necessity for some degree of coordination between different observers in their choice of locations and times for measurements of minor constituents is emphasized. We provide the specific suggestion of one or more short ?International Stratospheric Periods? whose duration would depend upon the time of year. During these short periods, as many observers as possible would perform an integrated series of observations designed to optimize the usefulness of their data to atmospheric scientists.