Fine Altitude Resolution Observations of Stratospheric Turbulent Layers by the Arecibo 430 MHz Radar

Abstract

Stratospheric turbulence is now observed by the Arecibo 430 MHz radar with an improved altitude resolution of 150 m. Turbulence is observed to occur in thin layers with a thickness usually less than the altitude resolution, and estimated to be about 50 m. A clear correlation is found between the power, wind shear and spectral width of the echoes. A simple method of estimating the energy dissipation rate and the eddy diffusivity is examined. Values of the order of 0.2 m² s⁻¹ are found for the eddy diffusivity coefficient in the lower stratosphere, showing the importance of turbulence on vertical transport.