Vertical transport by small scale stratospheric turbulence
Subtitle: a critical review
By: Edmond N. Dewan
Contributors: U.S. Air Force Geophysics Laboratory; United States. Air Force. Systems Command
Series: AFGL-TR -- 81-0051; Environmental research papers -- no. 729; Environmental research papers (Hanscom AFB, Mass.) -- no. 729
Publisher: Aeronomy Division, Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, Air Force Systems Command, USAF
Published: 1981
Place of publication: Hanscom AFB, Mass
Language: eng
Number of pages: 32
Subjects: Turbulence; Stratosphere; Stratospheric circulation
Description: This paper reviews the estimates to date of the vertical 'effective diffusion coefficient' for stratospheric small scale turbulence transport, KB. These estimates range (in order of magnitude) from 1.0 sq. meter/s to 0.01 sq. meter/s, that is to say from a value which would make turbulence a dominant factor in stratospheric transport to a value which would make it totally insignificant. Such a large range implies much ignorance in this subject. The various techniques are closely examined and the unanswered experimental questions are exhibited. The conclusion is reached that more experimental work needs to be done before one has a reliable estimate for KB.
Notes: Includes bibliographies.