Pseudosaturation of gravity waves in the middle atmosphere - An interpretation of certain lidar observations

Details Pseudosaturation of gravity waves in the middle atmosphere - An interpretation of certain lidar observations Pseudosaturation of gravity waves in the middle atmosphere - An interpretation of certain lidar observations

Mar 1993

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993jatp...55..441h&link_type=abstract

Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics (ISSN 0021-9169), vol. 55, no. 3, p. 441-445.

Physics

17

Emission Spectra, Gravity Waves, Middle Atmosphere, Optical Radar, Wind Measurement, Wind Variations, Mathematical Models, Mesopause, Saturation, Spectrum Analysis, Zonal Flow (Meteorology)

Scientific paper

Irregular winds of the middle atmosphere, commonly attributed to gravity waves, often exhibit a vertical-wavenumber (m) spectral form approximating to K/cu m at sufficiently large m, with K a constant found to be relatively unvarying with time, location and even height. The physical mechanism remains a matter for debate. There now exist three theories: (a) linear instability, (b) nonlinear wave-induced diffusion, and (c) nonlinear wave-induced Doppler spreading. Each has produced the K/cu m form (but only as an approximation in the case of Doppler spreading) and values of K within a factor of three of one another and of observed values. New data have revealed circumstances in which an approximation to the form K/cu m is again found, suggestive of saturation, but with values of K that increase by a factor of 5 or 10 on moving from the stratopause to the mesopause region. This height variation is incompatible with theories (a) and (b) if the 1/cu m form is taken to be induced by the corresponding saturation process (rather than by source spectra), but is shown here to be compatible with the Doppler-spread theory.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Pseudosaturation of gravity waves in the middle atmosphere - An interpretation of certain lidar observations does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Pseudosaturation of gravity waves in the middle atmosphere - An interpretation of certain lidar observations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Pseudosaturation of gravity waves in the middle atmosphere - An interpretation of certain lidar observations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1445823