Temperature trends in the stratosphere and mesosphere

Abstract

A review of several studies on the analysis of some long-term series is presented including rocket, lidar and satellite data. Despite the discontinuities due to the use of different type of sensors and corrections, rocketsondes, launched on a routine basis by the United States and Japan at several locations since 1969, have been re-analysed using a least square fitting method with a multi-parameter function. This model includes some linear functions to represent trends, natural cyclic variability (seasons, solar activity, equatorial QBO wind) and instrumental changes. Rayleigh lidar is also a well adapted instrument for monitoring absolute temperature in the middle atmosphere in a long term commitment. Lidar data obtained since 1979 in France (OHP) in the frame of the NDSC (Network of Detection of Stratospheric Changes) have also been analysed. Comparisons between lidar data and NCEP (National Center for Environmental Prediction) data interpolated from the global analyses to the lidar location reveal temperature differences. It appears that some bias caused by tidal influences is present in temperature series. © 2001 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.