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Gravity WavesAtmospheric parameters fluctuate on all scales. In the mesoscale these fluctuations are occasionally sinusoidal so that they can be interpreted as gravity waves. Usually, however, the fluctuations are noise like, so that their cause is not immediately evident. Results of mesoscale observations in the 20 to 120 m altitude range that are suitable for incorporation into a model atmosphere are very limited. In the stratosphere and lower mesosphere observations are sparse and very little data has been summarized into appropriate form. There is much more data in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere, but again very little of it has been summarized. The available mesoscale spectra of horizontal wind u versus vertical wave number m in the 20 to 120 km altitude range are shown together with a spectrum from the lower atmosphere for comparison. Further information about these spectra is given. In spite of the large range of altitudes and latitudes, the spectra from the lower atmosphere (NASA, 1971 and DEWAN, 1984) are remarkably similar in both shape and amplitude. The mean slopes of -2.38 for the NASA spectrum and -2.7 for the Dewan spectra are supported by the mean slope of -2.75 found by ROSENBERG et al. (1974). The mesospheric spectrum is too short to establish a shape. Its amplitude is about an order of magnitude larger than the NASA spectrum in the same wave number range. The NASA and Dewan spectra suggest that the mesoscale spectra in the lower atmosphere are insensitive to meteorological conditions.
Document ID
19860003355
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Vanzandt, T. E.
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: International Council of Scientific Unions Middle Atmosphere Program. Handbook for MAP, Vol. 16
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
86N12823
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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