Rocketsonde Wind and Temperature Measurements Between 30 and 70 km for Selected Stations

Abstract

Rocketsonde wind and temperature measurements from most of the National Meteorological Rocket Network (or simply Rocket Network) stations are studied. In the altitude region considered, there were over 1100 wind measurements and some 200 temperature soundings. This includes Rocket Network data through August 1962 and a few 1957 and 1958 soundings taken prior to the initiation of the Rocket Network. A simple statistical treatment has been used to determine mean temperatures and mean wind speeds, components, shears, and a measure of variability. The wind data presented generally support previously constructed cross sections of the wind regime over North America. A significant mass transport from subtropical to midlatitudes was indicated. The meridional component of the subtropical wind did not reverse direction with the seasonal change in the zonal wind. In the subpolar stratosphere the seasonal changes of temperature are much more pronounced; the summer is warm (near subtropical values) and the winter much colder. The subtropical summer temperatures were found to be colder than the subtropical winter temperatures. There is still a significant disagreement as to the more refined temperature structure of the subtropical region.