Characteristics of Atmospheric Turbulence in the UTLS Revealed by Airborne Observations from Recent Field Campaigns

Atmospheric turbulence in the upper troposphere to lower stratosphere (UTLS) plays a crucial role in momentum and energy exchanges between different scales of atmospheric motions, as well as in the mixing and transport of trace gases. However, understanding the characteristics of UTLS turbulence is challenging due to its localized and intermittent nature. Previous observational studies on UTLS turbulence characteristics have been primarily conducted using pilot reports or in situ flight data from commercial aircraft, which are limited to major flight routes and typical cruising altitudes of commercial aircraft (e.g., 7-12 km). To gain a more comprehensive understanding of UTLS turbulence, this study aims to characterize UTLS turbulence using in situ observations measured by high-altitude aircraft during recent field campaigns, such as the NASA Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summer Stratosphere (DCOTSS) in 2021 and 2022. We analyze turbulence characteristics in terms of the energy dissipation rate using 1-Hz and 20-Hz Meteorological Measurement System data from 23 research flights. Additionally, we investigate the potential impacts of moist convection and other possible processes on the observed turbulence cases. A statistical representation of UTLS turbulence over the North American monsoon region revealed by DCOTSS airborne observations will be presented in the conference.