Seasonal and regional characteristics of acoustic atmospheres

Data from approximately 300 meteorological rocket soundings were analyzed to determine the seasonal and geographical variations in the general atmospheric acoustic structure. Data are confined mainly to midlatitude and subpolar categories, and a lesser amount to low latitude areas. Seasonal periods are defined according to the direction of flow in the upper stratosphere, between the spring and fall reversal periods. Results of this analysis show that the mean acoustic structure of the troposphere and stratosphere varies significantly in time and in space. The variations from winter to summer are significant for all latitudinal areas studied. Variations with longitude appear more significant as latitude increases. These deviations are adequate to permit large variations in atmospheric propagation of acoustic disturbances.