One year ago, unaware of the pandemic that would strike the globe in 2020, the SouthTRAC aircraft campaign took place in Río Grande and El Calafate, Argentina. Since then, data evaluation has been revved up to full intensity, and many instrument groups were able to present interesting preliminary results during a recent (virtual) meeting. This encompasses novel evidence about the occurrence and propagation of gravity waves over the Andes and the Antarctic Pensinsula that interact with the polar vortex, transporting energy into the middle and upper stratosphere. Air mass transport is investigated with interhemispheric comparisons, studying characteristics of exchange between the stratosphere and the troposphere, and within the lower stratospheric regions. Chemical composition analysis is performed on various fronts, one of the most intriguing being the observation of a large number of tracers for biomass burning that occured in several places during the campaign season, predominantly Brazil and Australia. These examples nicely illustrate the long range impact of local emission or excitation events with often global effects. Also plans were made for publications, and first results will be disclosed to the public this year.
A film team had accompanied the scientists, engineers and pilots that were involved in the gravity wave activities. Just recently, they compiled a movie showing the stunning landscape and sky of Patagonia, the unusual work places of the participants and the cutting-edge science they pursue. Really worth watching!
Long version:
Short version:
Original link: DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics
Also KIT published a very insightful series of films covering the composition and transport aspect, daily life and experimental work (in German).
Original links: KIT IMK-ASF, KIT IMK-TRO KITsonde
