A Climatology of Clear-Air Turbulence and Mountain Wave Turbulence Throughout the Stratosphere Using MERRA-2 Data

Forty years of MERRA-2 reanalysis data is used to calculate twenty-nine unique indices for both clear-air turbulence (CAT) and mountain wave turbulence (MWT) throughout the stratosphere. The indices are combined into a single estimate of turbulence intensity for both CAT and MWT for five latitudinal domains. These indices have previously been applied at commercial flight levels, but this work is the first time such indices have been evaluated for estimating turbulence throughout the entire stratosphere. The results indicate that turbulence throughout the stratosphere is generally around four-times more intense in the winter season and increases in intensity with altitude. The data suggests the strongest source of CAT in each hemisphere is the polar vortex in the winter stratosphere above 50 hPa. The strongest sources of MWT are the Himalayas and the Andes in the lower stratosphere. The relationship between CAT and the quasi-biennial oscillation is also examined and indicates that easterly tropical winds are associated with the most intense turbulence. The trends in the climatology of CAT over forty years were compared indicating a significant increase in turbulence intensity in the upper stratosphere, and a weaker but still significant decrease in turbulence intensity in the lower stratosphere.