Middle atmospheric water vapour and dynamics in the vicinity of the polar vortex during the Hygrosonde-2 campaign

摘要: Abstract. The Hygrosonde-2 campaign took place on 16 December 2001 at Esrange/Sweden (68° N, 21° E) with the aim to investigate small scale distribution of water vapour in middle atmosphere vicinity Arctic polar vortex. In situ balloon and rocket-borne measurements were performed by means OH fluorescence hygrometry. combined yielded a high resolution profile up an altitude 75 km. Using characteristic being dynamical tracer it was possible directly relate data location vortex edge, which separates air masses different character inside outside probed extra-vortex range between 45 km 60 elsewhere. Transitions usually coincided wind shears caused gravity waves advect volume mixing ratios. From combination results from first flight optical hygrometer 1994 (Hygrosonde-1) clear picture can be drawn. Systematic differences concentration observed all way into mesosphere. It is also evident that spatial are needed fully account for small-scale exchange processes winter atmosphere.