J10.13
Mysteries of the tropical lower stratosphere: trends and cycles
George C. Reid, NOAA/AL, Boulder, CO
While the lower stratosphere is expected to cool as a result of ozone depletion and increases in greenhouse-gas concentrations, the temperature record from radiosondes shows an unexpected time profile, especially pronounced over the western Pacific region. Trends were small or non-existent until the early 1990s, and strongly negative (up to 3 K per decade) thereafter. At the midlatitude edge of the tropics (e.g., Hawaii) the long-term record since 1980 shows a cyclical sawtooth pattern, with 8- to 10-year cooling intervals separated by more rapid recoveries. These characteristics will be described and discussed, and the possible connection to sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific will be explored.
Joint Session 10, climate variability and trends (Joint with Middle Atmosphere, Fluid Dynamics and Climate Variations)(especially Middle Atmosphere)
Thursday, 16 June 2005, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM, Ballroom D
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