MEASUREMENTS FROM A ZERO-PRESSURE BALLOON IN THE STRATOPAUSE (48 KM),
Abstract:
The results of an experiment conducted at WSMR, New Mexico, on September 11, 1968, in which a very large zero-pressure balloon served as a platform for instruments measuring pressure and temperature are discussed. Also, the results of an analysis for diurnal tidal motion of wind as determined from the balloon trajectory are included. The balloon remained in the stratopause region 48.75-47.80 km for about four hours, during which time its trajectory with respect to altitude exhibited significant wave-like structure. During the four-hour period an average temperature of 2C was computed from the slope of a least-square fit straight line of ln p measured pressure values vs. altitude. A corresponding temperature value of -2C was obtained from averaging the adjusted temperatures measured with the balloon-borne instruments. Additionally, a rocketsonde launched during the time the balloon was in the stratopause region recorded a temperature at 48 km of 0C. There was excellent agreement within 3 between pressures computed from the rocket sounding and those measured with balloon-borne instruments. A large horizontal change in temperature 23C in 31 km was measured at the stratopause level. Author