Scenario Projections for the Round-Trip Drifting Sounding System Observations

To assess the application potential of the round-trip drifting sounding system (RDSS) data, and to provide a reference for the receiving station deployment, scenario projections for nationwide RDSS network observations are conducted by using trajectory simulation data from the RDSS trajectory prediction system. This study analyzes the distance, azimuth, and seasonal variations of RDSS landing stage relative to sounding stations, along with cross-border landing frequency near border areas, and examines the frequency distribution characteristics of landing points and, in conjunction with the coverage of receiving stations, proposes a priority index for establishing additional receiving stations within the nationwide RDSS network. The results show that RDSS landing points can nearly cover all land areas of China. In winter, the drifting distance of landing points relative to the sounding stations increases with latitude, reaching up to 1400 km, with landing points at high-latitude stations being more dispersed. During summer, the drifting distance decreases with latitude, and the landing points for low-latitude stations are more concentrated. The azimuth of landing points follows the prevailing wind direction in the stratosphere, exhibiting an east-west orientation, with distinct seasonal variations. The priority index for receiving station deployment suggests that approximately 443 receiving stations are needed to cover the entire region of China, enabling simultaneous RDSS operations at all sounding stations nationwide.