Research of upper-level wind for astronomical site survey

Abstract

By using the monthly data sets for the period of 1951-2008 from upper-air stations, the upper-level wind was studied. The spatial distribution and seasonal variation of 200 hPa wind were presented, and the characteristics of wind profiles at representative stations analyzed. The results indicate that Nenjiang and Beitashan, on behalf of the north of Northeast China and north of Northwest China, respectively, have the best upper-level wind conditions for astronomical observations, comparable with the first-rank astronomical observatories in the world; the wind conditions above Simao of Yunnan province, Kashi of west Xinjiang and Dingri of south Tibet Plateau, are just all right; South of Yangzi River and South China, which locate nearby the upper-level jet stream, have worse conditions due to strong upper air wind.