Upper stratospheric and mesospheric temperatures derived from lidar observations at Aberystwyth

摘要: From lidar observations of relative atmospheric density above Aberystwyth (52.4°N, 4.1°W) upper stratospheric and mesospheric temperatures have been derived for a total 93 nights between December 1982 February 1985. Excellent agreement was found radiances synthesised from these those measured by satellite-borne instruments. Summer showed smooth regular variation with altitude reasonably good the CIRA (1972) model atmosphere. By contrast, winter much greater variability changes night to night, frequent occurrence large amplitude wave-like perturbation in mesosphere about 15 km vertical wavelength 20K 60 80 km. Pronounced warmings stratosphere were observed during three winters observation. During warming event occurring early 1983 stratopause temperature increased 303K at 43 km, while major late 1984/early January 1985 produced gradient 16K km−1 34 36 km. latter distinct local minimum 32.6 on New Year's Eve, this descending 29 following being accompanied lowering 38.5 same period. These results demonstrate ability present technique resolve high steep gradients which occur warmings, marked contrast limited resolution achieved satellite experiments.