Tropical winds with global impacts are weakening

By on June 3, 2013
Earth and Atmosphere News


A new study led by scientists at the International Pacific Research Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa suggests that upper atmosphere tropical wind patterns that impact global wind patterns, atmospheric composition and climate have weakened over the last six decades, the University of Hawaii at Manoa has reported.

These upper atmosphere wind patterns, known as the quasibiennial oscillation, have been monitored by weather balloons since the 1950s.

Using computer models, researchers have shown that the weakening of quasibiennial oscillation winds help to increase upward wind velocity in the tropics.

Research shows that increasing upward wind velocity could play a vital role in helping regulate ozone-destroying chemicals by transporting them to the upper atmosphere quicker, where they are then terminated.

Image: Weather balloon launch (Credit: NOAA)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FishSens SondeCAM HD