Studies of Gravity Wave Propagation in the Middle Atmosphere.
Abstract
Research represents an effort to understand the role of gravity waves in the general circulation of the atmosphere. Such waves exist on a wide range of scales and frequencies. In this report, we describe ray tracing of gravity waves of horizontal scales from 50 to 800 km, all of which are observed in the middle atmosphere and play an essential role in the transport of momentum and mixing of constituents. Also presented are numerical simulations of gravity wave, mean-flow interaction, focusing on two aspects of this process: saturation and self-acceleration. Model results are compared to the predictions of a semi-analytic model of gravity waves. Finally, the report concludes with a discussion of constituent mixing in gravity wave breakdown, and problems in this area meriting further study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA158726
Entities
People
- T. J. Dunkerton