Abstract
An investigation of the atmospheric wind structure over Antarctica from surface upto about 80km is made using data from about 52 successful M-100 meteorological rocket soundings at Molodezhnaya, Antarctica where the author worked during 1971-73. The Antarctic summer was found to be characterised by light easterly winds which increased in strength with altitude. The South Polar winter was marked by strong westerly winds which had jet speeds of about 90m/s. The winter westerly jet increased in strength as the season progressed. The autumn reversal of winds from easterly to westerly occurred in the first week of February in the stratosphere and in February end in the troposphere. The vernal wind reversal from westerlies to easterlies occurred in the 3rd week of November in the stratosphere. It was found that the reversal first occurred in the upper layers and subsequently in the lower layers showing a downward propagation of the disturbance. The summer to winter shift was a relatively rapid change, while the winter to summer shift was slow and gradual. The winter and early spring period was marked by large wind perturbations. The easterly flow in the upper mesosphere was found to be predominant for about 8-9 months.
