Acoustic-Gravity Waves in the Upper Atmosphere.
Abstract
The theory of acoustic-gravity waves, the interaction of such waves with the ionosphere, the experimental support for the existence of such waves in the upper atmosphere, and the role played by acoustic-gravity waves in thermospheric dynamics are reviewed. After a thorough discussion on the properties of acoustic-gravity waves in an ideal isothermal atmosphere, the effects produced by horizontal winds, sharp boundary discontinuities, and dissipative processes are discussed. These discussions are followed by reviewing propagation effects in a realistic atmosphere for both free waves and guided waves. The propagation of these acoustic-gravity waves in the upper atmosphere may induce changes in the ionosphere sometimes known as traveling disturbances. The existing experimental data on traveling disturbances are then reviewed and found consistent, in most cases, with the acoustic-gravity wave interpretation. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0786478
Entities
People
- Chao H. Liu
- Kung C. Yeh
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign