Nonlinear Gravity Wave Transport and Its Role in the General Circulation of the Atmosphere.
Abstract
Gravity waves play a significant role in the transport of momentum, heat, and constituents in the terrestrial atmosphere. Due to mean-flow shear, the gravity wave critical layer is a locus of isentropic overturning, secondary convective instability, turbulence, and mean flow acceleration. These processes were simulated numerically in a two-dimensional model, and a convective saturation hypothesis for breaking gravity waves was confirmed. The role of parameterized wave transport in the quasi-biennial oscillation, and effects of angular momentum advection by the mean meridional circulation, were also addressed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA259659
Entities
People
- Timothy J. Dunkerton
Organizations
- Northwest Research Associates