Zonally Asymmetric Ozone and the Morphology of the Planetary Waveguide

Abstract

Using a middle atmospheric general circulation model, we find that zonally asymmetric ozone (ZAO) profoundly changes the morphology of the Northern Hemisphere planetary waveguide (PWG). ZAO causes the PWG to contract meridionally and expand vertically, with a significant increase in wave propagation. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the upward flux of wave activity from the troposphere and lower stratosphere into the interior of the stratosphere and lower mesosphere. The ZAO-induced changes in the PWG increase the Eliassen-Palm flux divergence, causing a warmer and weaker stratospheric polar vortex. The ability of ZAO to alter the flux of planetary wave activity into the polar vortex has significant implications for accurately modeling wave-driven phenomena in the middle atmosphere, including sudden stratospheric warmings, 11-year solar cycle-modulated wave activity, and the Brewer-Dobson circulation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 15, 2011
Accession Number
ADA548918

Entities

People

  • John P. McCormack
  • John R. Albers
  • Terrence R. Nathan

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Atmospheric Sciences
  • Climate Change
  • Contracts
  • Cycles
  • Hemispheres
  • Latitude
  • Mesosphere
  • Military Research
  • Northern Hemisphere
  • Refractive Index
  • Sea Surface Temperature
  • Solar Cycle
  • Space Sciences
  • Stratosphere
  • Surface Temperature
  • Wave Propagation
  • Waveguides

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Coastal Oceanography

Technology Areas

  • Space