Meteorological Rocket Data, McMurdo Station, Antarctica, 1962–1963

Abstract

Wind and temperature measurements using meteorological sounding rockets were made in the upper atmosphere at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, between June 1962 and October 1963. Then rocket soundings were the first to be made above normal radiosonde levels in the Southern Hemisphere. The most active and interesting period was the September-October early spring period; period was marked by the reversal of wind direction and ?explosive? warming. Strong zonal winds appeared near 35 km during late September. This ?jet? completely disappeared over MeMurdo Station by the end of October and was replaced by light easterly winds and warmer temperatures. The ?explosive? warming occurred during the decline of this strong wind system.