EXPLORATION OF THE JET STREAM BY AIRCRAFT DURING THE 1952–1953 WINTER

Abstract

In an endeavor to determine the horizontal wind structure of jet streams, a series of aircraft traverses at 30,000 feet pressure-altitude was undertaken during the winter of 1952?1953. This article outlines the results of these flights, the maximum speeds encountered, the lateral shears on both sides of the jet axis, the distribution of turbulence, and the relation between observed winds and geostrophic- or gradient-wind calculations.