Solitary Waves in the Atmosphere.
Abstract
This report presents a description and interpretation of an unusual type of isolated atmospheric gravity wave observed near Tennant Creek in central Australia. Comparison of experimental data with theory shows that waves of this type belong to a new class of deep fluid internal solitary wave discovered by Benjamin and by Davis and Acrivos. An interesting feature of these solitary waves is that they mark the onset of significant atmoshperic turbulence. It is proposed that the following source mechanisms play an important role in the creation of solitary atmospheric waves in the arid interior of Australia: (1) the impulsive interaction of an intense thunderstorm downdraft or downdraft generated gravity current with an inversion; (2) the interaction of nocturnal katabatic flow with an existing radiation inversion; and (3) the interaction of stationary gravity lee waves or standing eddies with a developing nocturnal inversion following a reversal in the the circulation over an orographic feature. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA031228
Entities
People
- A. L. Hales
- D. R. Christie
- K. J. Muirhead
Organizations
- Australian National University