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On the linear approximation of gravity wave saturation in the mesosphereLindzen's model of gravity wave breaking is shown to be inconsistent with the process of convective adjustment and associated turbulent outbreak. The K-theory turbulent diffusion model used by Lindzen implies a spatially uniform turbulent field which is not in agreement with the fact that gravity wave saturation and the associated convection produce turbulence only in restricted zones. The Lindzen model may be corrected to some extent by taking the turbulent Prandtl number for a diffusion acting on the wave itself to be very large. The eddy diffusion coefficients computed by Lindzen then become a factor of 2 larger and eddy transports of heat and constituents by wave fields vanish to first order.
Document ID
19840063671
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Chao, W. C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Schoeberl, M. R.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Laboratory for Planetary Atmospheres, Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
Volume: 41
ISSN: 0022-4928
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
84A46458
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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