Uncertainties in the measurement of the atmospheric velocity due to balloon-gondola pendulum-like motions

ALEXANDER, P.; DE LA TORRE, A.

ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Año: 2011 vol. 47 p. 736 - 739

0273-1177

Balloons lead to the highest vertical resolution of air velocity data actually attainable from atmospheric soundings. However, the pendulum-like motion of the balloon-gondola system may significantly affect these measurements if the distance between balloon and gondolais large. This may prevent the study of the highest vertical resolution range obtained. Also, if not appropriately discriminated, these fluctuations could be confused with small scale or turbulent oscillations of the atmosphere. It is shown from simple energy considerationsthat horizontal and vertical wind velocity perturbations introduced in the observations by the pendulum motion may usually be comparable to typical measurements. Vertical velocity data that were obtained with an instrumented gondola in a zero pressure balloon, which typically reach the lower stratosphere, are analyzed and found to be in agreement with the above statements. The pendulum-like behavior in this sounding seems to be stimulated by the buoyant oscillation of the atmosphere.