Compilation of wind data for the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) Reference Atmosphere Project

Abstract

The aim of the UARS (Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite) Reference Atmosphere Project (URAP) is to provide a comprehensive zonal mean reference description of the stratosphere using measurements from instruments on board the UARS. A data set has been produced which describes the monthly zonal mean zonal winds from the surface to the upper mesosphere. Wind measurements from the High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI) were combined with results from the Met Office stratospheric data assimilation system. Balanced winds derived from the URAP temperature data set were used to bridge the gap between the stratospheric winds and HRDI mesospheric winds.