NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
A Study of Mesoscale Gravity Waves over the North Atlantic with Satellite Observations and a Mesoscale ModelSatellite microwave data are used to study gravity wave properties and variabilities over the northeastern United States and the North Atlantic in the December-January periods. The gravity waves in this region, found in many winters, can reach the stratopause with growing amplitude. The Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) observations show that the wave occurrences are correlated well with the intensity and location of the tropospheric baroclinic jet front systems. To further investigate the cause(s) and properties of the North Atlantic gravity waves, we focus on a series of wave events during 19-21 January 2003 and compare AMSU-A observations to simulations from a mesoscale model (MM5). The simulated gravity waves compare qualitatively well with the satellite observations in terms of wave structures, timing, and overall morphology. Excitation mechanisms of these large-amplitude waves in the troposphere are complex and subject to further investigations.
Document ID
20080032365
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Wu, Dong L.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Zhang, Fuqing
(Texas A&M Univ. College Station, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
November 25, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Journal Of Geophysical Research
Volume: 109
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-0203238
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
mesoscale gravity waves
North Atlantic
satellite observations

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available