The distribution of water vapor in the stratosphere.

This paper seeks to collect together and to assess the many measurements of stratospheric humidity which have been reported over the last 25 years, with a view to determining the average distribution of water vapor in the stratosphere and its variations in time and space. Variations with height, latitude, time, and season are considered. In addition, some consideration is given to the proper use of experimental values of humidity in discussions of the water budget and circulation of the stratosphere; it is emphasized that the considerable uncertainties which often exist in measured data often can preclude the drawing of quantitative conclusions.