The Meteorological Equator In The Stratosphere And Mesosphere

Fluctuations and periodic oscillations of the thermodynamic properties of the atmosphere between 25 and 80 km are analyzed in this paper to better define the structure of the tropical atmosphere. The nature of temperature and density variations at locations between 22 degrees N and 8 degrees S is examined by means of harmonic analysis. Amplitudes and phases of the annual and semiannual components of the temperature and density cycles indicate that the meteorological equator within the stratosphere and lower mesosphere lies south of Ascension Island. The paper is only one part of a larger investigation aimed at providing a set of mean monthly atmospheric models from the surface to 90 km at 15 degrees latitude intervals between equator and pole.

Interest in the meteorology of the stratosphere and mesophere has been simulated in the past few years by concerns over possible depletion of the ozone layer as a result of reactions involving pollutants introduced by human activities. Concurrently there has been an upsurge in research on various aspects of the meteorology of the stratosphere. This monograph provides an account of the fundamental dynamical processes which control the general circulation of the stratosphere and mesophere and are thus responsible for the transport of trace substances in that region of the atmosphere. Principles necessary for understanding the dynamics of large-scale motions in the stratosphere and mesosphere are systematically developed so that this monograph should prove useful not only as a reference work for research scientists, but as a textbook for courses in dynamic meteorology of the upper atmosphere.

The Upper Atmosphere: Meteorology and Physics focuses on the study of the characteristics, movements, composition, and observations of the upper atmosphere. The book first offers information on the meteorological conditions in the lower stratosphere and the structure and circulation of the upper stratosphere and the mesosphere. Topics include balloon sounding systems, climatology of the lower stratosphere, disturbed circulation of the lower stratosphere, rocket measurements, and frequent measurements with balloons and meteorological rockets. The text then ponders on the sun's radiation and the upper atmosphere and composition of the stratosphere and mesosphere. The manuscript elaborates on the composition and structure of the thermosphere, including photochemical processes, diffusion, composition and structure measurements, and structure of the thermosphere. The text also ponders on radiative processes and heat transfer; atmospheric tides and winds in the lower thermosphere; and transport of properties in the upper atmosphere. The publication is a valuable source of information for readers interested in the meteorology and physics of the upper atmosphere.

Mean monthly atmospheric models are presented which depict the periodic variations in the vertical distributions of temperature, pressure, and density, surface to 90 km, at the equator and 15 deg N. The models are internally consistent and in agreement with available radiosonde and rocket observations of the thermodynamic properties of the tropical atmosphere. In the tropics the combined amplitudes of the annual and semiannual oscillations of density at altitudes between 25 and 80 km are approximately the same magnitude as the diurnal variations. Observed data show that the phase (time of maximum) of the annual temperature and density oscillations between 25 and 90 km is nearly identical at 8 deg S, 9 deg N, and 17 deg N, indicating that the meteorological equator for thermodynamic properties of the atmosphere is 8 to 10 deg south of the geographical equator. (Author).

The objectives of the American Meteorological Society are "the development and dissemination of knowledge of meteorology in all its phases and applications, and the advancement of its professional ideals." The organization of the Society took place in affiliation with the American Association for the Advancement of Science at Saint Louis, Missouri, December 29, 1919, and its incorporation, at Washington, D. C., January 21, 1920. The work of the Society is carried on by the Bulletin, the Journal, and Meteorological Monographs, by papers and discussions at meetings of the Society, through the offices of the Secretary and the Executive Secretary, and by correspondence. All of the Americas are represented in the membership of the Society as well as many foreign countries.

For advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in atmospheric, oceanic, and climate science, Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics is an introductory textbook on the circulations of the atmosphere and ocean and their interaction, with an emphasis on global scales. It will give students a good grasp of what the atmosphere and oceans look like on the large-scale and why they look that way. The role of the oceans in climate and paleoclimate is also discussed. The combination of observations, theory and accompanying illustrative laboratory experiments sets this text apart by making it accessible to students with no prior training in meteorology or oceanography. * Written at a mathematical level that is appealing for undergraduates and beginning graduate students * Provides a useful educational tool through a combination of observations and laboratory demonstrations which can be viewed over the web * Contains instructions on how to reproduce the simple but informative laboratory experiments * Includes copious problems (with sample answers) to help students learn the material.

First published in 2003. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.