The vertical distribution of atmospheric ozone and possible transport mechanisms in the stratosphere of the Southern Hemisphere

Abstract

AbstractAn analysis of the small‐scale fluctuations in the vertical distribution of ozone calculated from Umkehr observations at Brisbane (27°.5S, 153°.0E) and Aspendale (38°.0S, 145°.1E) shows that these fluctuations extend up to about 30 km in late summer and early autumn and only up to about 24 km in late winter and early spring. Ozone content in the troposphere and lower stratosphere increases with increasing total ozone.Mean meridional distributions of ozone with height have been constructed for the Southern Hemisphere for summer and spring and the results are discussed in relation to the idea of meridional poleward and downward flow of air from the upper part of the tropical troposphere and lower stratosphere. It appears that the changes in the spring amounts of ozone from year to year take place essentially in the 24 to 36 km layer in the middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. Also, above about 25 km, the ozone amount is smaller at 65°S with greater amounts on either side of it. To explain this a transport mechanism above 25 km, consistent with isentropes above that level, is suggested.