Abstract

The Stratospheric Wind Infrared Limb Sounder (SWIRLS) investigation which has been selected for the Earth Observing System (Eos) is an investigation of dynamics and transport in the stratosphere that brings together the key measurements needed to develop an understanding of the coupling between chemistry and dynamics in the stratosphere. The investigation focuses on developing a description of the dynamical climatology of the stratosphere with emphasis on winds and temperature, and their variation on time scales ranging from diurnal to interannual. In addition, the the investigation will quantify the physical mechanisms responsible for structure and variations of the stratospheric circulation and temperature fields, including the transport of heat and momentum and will directly investigate the transport of ozone and and other trace atmospheric constituents. Existing measurements lack the combination of accuracy, global and temporal coverage, spatial resolution and simultaneity required to distinguish between dynamics and photochemical processes. Improved instruments are needed to understand why ozone and other trace constituents have their current distribution and how they are evolving.

© 1990 Optical Society of America