Upper Stratosphere-Mesosphere-Lower Thermosphere Perturbations During the Formation of the Arctic Polar Night Jet in 2019-2020

Thermal and dynamic perturbations in the polar upper stratospheric/mesosphere-lower thermosphere in the Arctic winter of 2019-2020 as measured by a meteor radar at 67 degrees N, Aura Microwave Limb Sounder and reanalysis are presented. The most severe disturbances occur from late December to mid-January, while the rest of the winter is relatively stable. Mesospheric winds are dominated by several impulsive increases in the zonal component, an abrupt descent of the wind core and alternating north- and south-ward flow with a period of half a month. Reduced temperature at 90 km height accompanied by thermal inversions is observed in association with upper stratosphere/lower mesosphere warming in the eastern hemisphere. The warming trend is interrupted by a strong cooling in the entire stratosphere-mesosphere. The upper middle atmosphere appears considerably stratified. High walls surround the vortex that is favorable for its stability.

Automated summary

Thermal and dynamic disturbances in the polar upper stratospheric/mesosphere-lower thermosphere during the Arctic winter of 2019-2020 were measured and presented. The most severe disturbances occurred from late December to mid-January, with significant wind fluctuations. Throughout the winter, there were notable temperature changes in the upper stratosphere/lower mesosphere.