An estimation of the dynamical isolation of the tropical lower stratosphere using UARS wind and trace gas observations of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation

Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite tropical wind and constituent measurements are used to estimate an upper limit of mid‐latitude to tropical trace gas exchange by examining the phase of the N2O/CH4 ratio with respect to the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation winds. Assuming a simple diffusive model for tr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 1997-01, Vol.24 (1), p.53-56
Main Authors: Schoeberl, M. R., Roche, A. E., Russell III, J. M., Ortland, D., Hays, P. B., Waters, J. W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Diffusion
Earth, ocean, space
Estimates
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Gas exchange
General properties of the high atmosphere
Geophysics
Marine
Nitrous oxides
Physics of the high neutral atmosphere
Quasi-biennial oscillation
Satellites
Stratosphere
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Summary:Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite tropical wind and constituent measurements are used to estimate an upper limit of mid‐latitude to tropical trace gas exchange by examining the phase of the N2O/CH4 ratio with respect to the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation winds. Assuming a simple diffusive model for tropical ‐ mid‐latitude exchange in the 20–28 km region, the mixing times are estimated to be at least 18 months, and, we estimate an eddy mixing coefficient of 7×108 cm²/sec. This low mixing rate suggests that if significant chemical mixing into the lower tropical stratosphere occurs, as has been suggested by observational data, then this mixing must take place below 20 km.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/96GL03370