Stratospheric trace gas distributions observed in different seasons

A newly developed balloon-borne cryogenic sampler has been used to collect large air samples in the midlatitude stratosphere (44° N). The samples were analysed for their content of several longlived trace gases. The vertical profiles of N₂O, CH₄, and CF₂Cl₂ derived from two balloon flights in winter 1982 and, as part of the MAP Globus Project, in fall 1983 indicate variations that are caused by large scale dynamic processes. Significant features of the profiles are discussed and compared with averaged profiles that were derived from a series of balloon sampling flights performed previously over the same location during the summer season. The temporal variation of the individual profiles is more detailed than predicted by model calculations.