Trace Constituents in the Vicinity of Jet Streams

Abstract

An extensive series of experiments is being undertaken to determine the concentrations and transport of trace atmospheric constituents in the stratosphere and troposphere in the vicinity of jet streams during tropopause ?folding? episodes. The first experiments were undertaken in March and April 1968 and the results are described and discussed. Both propeller-driven aircraft and U. S. Air Force jet aircraft were used, supplemented by ozonesonde and lidar measurements. Trace constituents investigated included ozone, sulfates, various cations, freezing nuclei, aerosol particles in general, and radioactive nuclides. A high, positive correlation was observed between the intensity of radioactivity and the sulfate concentrations. Relative concentrations were consistent with transport of air from the troposphere to the stratosphere on the anticyclonic side of the jet stream. Concentrations of freezing nuclei were on the average much lower but much more uniform in the stratosphere than in the troposphere.