SYNOPTIC ANALYSES OF THE 5-, 2-, AND 0.4-MILLIBAR SURFACES FOR THE IQSY PERIOD

Abstract

Rocket data from the Meteorological Rocket Network and other sources, in addition to high-level rawinsonde observations, are being employed to analyze a series of 5-, 2-, and 0.4-mb. charts. The broadscale analyses are being constructed for each week of the International Years of the Quiet Sun period, and primarily cover the North American and adjacent ocean areas. Methods employed for processing the various types of data as well as the analysis procedure are described. Analyses completed thus far confirm the existence of large-scale systems, such as the wintertime polar cyclone, and the Aleutian anticyclone, to at least the level of the stratopause. In addition there is evidence of large-scale periodic oscillations in the heights of upper-stratospheric constant-pressure surfaces during autumn and early winter. Furthermore, a significant tidal component is apparent in summertime rocketsonde winds, for which adjustment must be made in order to obtain consistent quasi-synoptic patterns.