An Analysis of Vertical Profiles of Wind and Humidity Based on Long-Term Radiosonde Data in Turkey

Abstract

The prediction of atmospheric variables is fundamentally important for flight, and efficiency with environmental impact analyses of aircraft. However, certain variables are less predictable leading to inefficient utilization of limited resources. To maximize the efficiency of aviation systems more accurate approaches are required to increase the predictability of these variables. One of these variables, wind aloft is analyzed in this study, with altitude, season and location, based on data obtained from eight radiosonde stations operating in Turkey. It is found that as altitude increases, wind direction approximates to 270°. Wind speed appears to be quadratically (or cubic for higher accuracy) proportional to altitude and maximum average wind speed is observed in March. In addition, relative humidity decreases linearly with an increase in altitude at an average of 4% per kilometer.

The prediction of atmospheric variables is fundamentally important for flight, and efficiency with environmental impact analyses of aircraft. However, certain variables are less predictable leading to inefficient utilization of limited resources. To maximize the efficiency of aviation systems more accurate approaches are required to increase the predictability of these variables. One of these variables, wind aloft is analyzed in this study, with altitude, season and location, based on data obtained from eight radiosonde stations operating in Turkey. It is found that as altitude increases, wind direction approximates to 270°. Wind speed appears to be quadratically (or cubic for higher accuracy) proportional to altitude and maximum average wind speed is observed in March. In addition, relative humidity decreases linearly with an increase in altitude at an average of 4% per kilometer.