SYNOPTIC ANALYSES OF THE UPPER STRATOSPHERIC CIRCULATION DURING THE LATE WINTER STORM PERIOD OF 1966

Abstract

Rocketsonde observations obtained by the Global Meteorological Rocket Network were utilized in the investigation of the stratospheric circulation of the western portion of the Northern Hemisphere during the period Feb. 1?15, 1966. Synoptic and vertical time section analyses presented evidence of the temporary breakdown of the winter westerlies. The analyses, performed for the first time at intervals of less than 1 week at the 1-mb. surface, show circulation systems which change completely in the strata between the middle and upper stratosphere. This is synoptically illustrated at 10 mb. by contraction of the hemispheric winter cyclone into polar latitudes and by splitting of this cyclone at 1 mb. and its subsequent weakening and displacement into midlatitudes. Warming in the upper stratosphere appears to be the major contributing cause for these circulation changes.