The Meteorological Rocket Network-An analysis of the first year in operation: Joint Scientific Advisory Group to the Meteorological Rocket Network

Abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research (1896-1977)Volume 66, Issue 9 p. 2821-2842 The Meteorological Rocket Network—An analysis of the first year in operation: Joint Scientific Advisory Group to the Meteorological Rocket Network First published: September 1961 https://doi.org/10.1029/JZ066i009p02821Citations: 9AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract The operation of the Meteorological Rocket Network is reviewed and the equipment being used to collect wind and temperature data from the mesosphere (30 to 80 km) is briefly described. Sources of wind error in the sounding technique are discussed and evaluated as far as possible. Chaff (.012-inch nylon) has a very rapid response to the wind below 75 km, but the characteristics of the 15-foot parachute above 55 km have not yet been determined. Errors in tracking the parachute with FPS-16 or Mod II radars are of the order of 3 m/sec when the wind is averaged over 1 minute. Time-height diagrams of the observed and seasonal mean wind velocities are presented for selected stations in the network. They demonstrate the winter and summer wind speed maximum at 50 to 60 km and the circulation reversal between summer and winter. The magnitude of the wind variability over short periods (of the order of an hour) appears to be height-dependent. Both speed and direction show greater variability at higher levels. Only limited temperature data were available but in the mean they show excellent agreement with the standard atmosphere up to about 50 km. Examples of the circulation over North America at heights up to 50 km are given for selected days during spring, summer, and fall. In addition, 1-mb charts (∼47 km) are presented for the winter of 1959–1960 and the summer of 1960. Citing Literature Volume66, Issue9September 1961Pages 2821-2842 RelatedInformation