THE STRUCTURE OF THE JET STREAM CORE

Abstract

Typical jet stream characteristics are illustrated by discussions of an average, a strong and a weak jet stream. The basic data were obtained by aircraft of Project Jet Stream in flights carried out mainly over the southeastern United States. An empirical model, based on observations obtained during some fifty flights, illustrates the average wind and temperature fields in the vicinity of the jet stream core and the structure of the ?jet stream front.? It is suggested that this model may be used to define jet stream flow in mid-latitudes. Average distributions of turbulence, clouds and contrails around the jet stream are presented.