Global Measurements of Stratospheric Mountain Waves from Space

Abstract

Temperatures acquired by the Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere (CRISTA) during shuttle mission STS-66 have provided measurements of stratospheric mountain waves from space. Large-amplitude, long-wavelength mountain waves at heights of 15 to 30 kilometers above the southern Andes Mountains were observed and characterized, with vigorous wave breaking inferred above 30 kilometers. Mountain waves also occurred throughout the stratosphere (15 to 45 kilometers) over a broad mountainous region of central Eurasia. The global distribution of mountain wave activity accords well with predictions from a mountain wave model. The findings demonstrate that satellites can provide the global data needed to improve mountain wave parameterizations and hence global climate and forecast models.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 19, 1999
Accession Number
ADA528846

Entities

People

  • Peter Preusse
  • Stephen D. Eckermann

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Altitude
  • Amplitude
  • Climate Change
  • Gravity Waves
  • High Altitude
  • Infrared Spectrometers
  • Long Wavelengths
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Mountains
  • Ridges
  • Sea Surface Temperature
  • South America
  • Surface Properties
  • Surface Temperature
  • Wave Propagation

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites