An Investigation in Atmospheric Dynamics and Its Effects on Optical Emissions
Abstract
This report describes theoretical research and modeling on the properties of small-scale gravity waves and on the response of mesospheric and lower thermospheric airglow to gravity waves. The work on small-scale waves has shown that the variation of the Brunt period with altitude, combined with Doppler shifting by background winds, can lead to fully guided modes (Brunt- Doppler ducting). The dependence of the modal properties on phase-velocity dispersion, wind shear, viscosity, and instability is investigated. It is also shown that, for small-scale waves, pressure, density, and temperature changes are due primarily to buoyancy forces. Theoretical work on airglow response to gravity waves has emphasized calculation of the nonlinear response of both the airglow volume emission rate and the airglow column brightness to a gravity wave (local and integrated responses). These calculations are carried out in both the Eulerian and Lagrangian frames. Finally, results of observation of OH airglow wave structures in Maui during the ALOHA 90 campaign are described. The above work has been described in several papers in J. Geophys. Res. and Geophys.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA244504
Entities
People
- T. F. Tuan
Organizations
- University of Cincinnati