On the Use of Slow Ascent Meter-Scale Sampling (SAMS) Radiosondes for Observing Overturning Events in the Free Atmosphere

Abstract

This note describes the development of a method for obtaining high vertical resolution (meter scale) measurements of basic meteorological quantities and turbulent overturns, using radiosondes with slow ascent rates. Although the method has some limitations, it can provide profiles of standard atmospheric variables from the surface to more than 20 km, with significantly improved vertical resolution. It can also help better identify regions of turbulent overturns. This correspondence presents some initial results demonstrating the occurrence of relatively small-vertical-scale overturns throughout the entire atmospheric column.