What question did this study set out to answer?

Investigate periodic reversals and downward propagation of zonal winds in the equatorial stratosphere.

March 1, 1961Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres

Evidence of a downward-propagating, annual wind reversal in the equatorial stratosphere

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Authors

RRRichard J. ReedTulane University WCW. J. CampbellTD Bank LRL. A. RasmussenUnited States Geological Survey

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Implication

Observational analysis reveals downward-propagating biennial zonal wind reversals in the equatorial stratosphere, indicating wave-driven momentum transport.

Key Points

Investigate periodic reversals and downward propagation of zonal winds in the equatorial stratosphere.
Analyzed stratospheric wind observations from Canton Island (3°S) and Nairobi, Kenya (2°S) recorded between July 1955 and February 1960.
Evaluated concurrent atmospheric ozone measurements to determine whether downward wind progression was driven by wave motion or bulk mass transport.
Identified alternating bands of easterly and westerly winds descending from 30 km at roughly 1-year intervals, characterizing an equatorial 2-year zonal wind oscillation.
Determined that wind bands circle the globe, reach peak intensity near 25 km, span approximately 10 km in vertical depth, descend at ~1 km per month, and weaken near the tropopause.
Inferred from ozone profiles that downward propagation is driven by atmospheric wave motion rather than physical downward mass transport.

Cite This Study

Reed et al. (1961) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a710187f44fa9f079dec4eb https://doi.org/10.1029/jz066i003p00813

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Implication

Observational analysis reveals downward-propagating biennial zonal wind reversals in the equatorial stratosphere, indicating wave-driven momentum transport.

Evidence of a downward-propagating, annual wind reversal in the equatorial stratosphere

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Evidence of a downward-propagating, annual wind reversal in the equatorial stratosphere

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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