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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1966 March; 14(2): 237-240
Copyright © 1966 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Microorganisms of the Upper Atmosphere

III. Relationship between Altitude and Micropopulation

Biosciences Branch, U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas

ABSTRACT

Simultaneous sampling for microorganisms was accomplished at altitudes of 690, 1,600, and 3,127 meters. The location of temperature inversions in relation to the collection altitude determined, to a great extent, the micropopulation. High micropopulations were found when an inversion was above the sampling altitude, and low populations when the inversion was below the sampling altitude. Diurnal periodicity which could be generally correlated with periods of minimal and maximal convective activity was observed. Evidence is presented showing that the micropopulation is more stable at higher altitudes than at lower altitudes.