The diurnal variation of turbopause height /

Abstract

Utilizing chemical release observations, and recently reported turbopause heights based upon mass spectrometer measurements of the Ar/N2 ratio, the diurnal variability of turbopause height is determined. Separation of the data, on a seasonal basis, shows that there is a strong winter diurnal variability with turbulence carrying to its highest altitude (approximately 115 km) between sunset and midnight, and minimizing at the noon hour. The spring data shows a similar variability, but at an overall lower altitude than that of winter, and a possible latitudinal difference, while the fall results demonstrate no real diurnal variation, and an average turbopause height at approximately 106 km.Research supported by the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, Air Force Systems Command, United States Air Force, Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts.Aeronomy Division Project 6690.ADA099340 (from http://www.dtic.mil)."3 November 1980."Includes bibliographical references (page 11).Utilizing chemical release observations, and recently reported turbopause heights based upon mass spectrometer measurements of the Ar/N2 ratio, the diurnal variability of turbopause height is determined. Separation of the data, on a seasonal basis, shows that there is a strong winter diurnal variability with turbulence carrying to its highest altitude (approximately 115 km) between sunset and midnight, and minimizing at the noon hour. The spring data shows a similar variability, but at an overall lower altitude than that of winter, and a possible latitudinal difference, while the fall results demonstrate no real diurnal variation, and an average turbopause height at approximately 106 km.Mode of access: Internet