Stratospheric--tropospheric exchange processes

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1975 · Rev. Geophys. Space Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/RG013i004p00459· OSTI ID:7327645

Reiter, E R

Qualitative descriptions and quantitative estimates are presented of various transport processes between stratosphere and troposphere. The seasonal changes of tropopause heights account for a flux of about 10 percent of the mass of the stratosphere in one hemisphere during the course of 1 yr. This flux is balanced approximately by the seasonal shift of stratospheric air masses between the northern and southern hemispheres. Vertical transport through the Hadley cell transfers approximately 38 percent of the mass equivalent to one hemispheric stratosphere through the tropopause per year. This appears to be the most effective of all transport mechanisms. Large-scale eddies of the scale of cyclones and anticyclones transfer about 20 percent of stratospheric air through the tropopause per year. Small-scale and mesoscale diffusion processes at tropopause level probably account for the transfer of only 1 percent of stratospheric air. These mass flux estimates are in reasonable agreement with observed residence times of stratospheric pollutants.

• Research Organization: Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins
• OSTI ID: 7327645
• Journal Information: Rev. Geophys. Space Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Rev. Geophys. Space Phys.; (United States) Vol. 13:4; ISSN RGPSB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AIR
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
FLUIDS
GASES
MASS TRANSFER
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
STRATOSPHERE
TRANSPORT THEORY
TROPOSPHERE
VARIATIONS