Temperature of the Stratosphere in High Latitudes

WE recently directed attention1 on the variation of the 'mean temperature' of atmospheric ozone, which appeared from the observations made by Barbier, Chalonge and E. Vassy at Abisko (Swedish Lapland, lat. 68° 20 N.) between December 27, 1934 and March 6, 1935. From the end of December until the beginning of March, the temperature gradually increased by about 70° C. This great variation may seem surprising, as the stratosphere is known to have a rather constant temperature; but it should first be noticed that the mean temperature of atmospheric ozone involves altitudes not accessible to sounding balloons; and next, that the stratosphere has been investigated chiefly in low and middle latitudes.