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Local effects of gravity wave propagation and saturationIn recent years, gravity waves were recognized to play a major role in the dynamics of the middle atmosphere. Perhaps the major effect of such motions are the reversal of the vertical shear of the mean zonal wind and the occurrence of a large turbulent diffusivity in the mesosphere due to gravity wave saturation. Yet, despite the importance of these gravity wave effects, the processes and the consequences of gravity wave propagation and saturation are only beginning to be understood in detail. The linear saturation theory predicts drag and turbulent diffusion due to saturating wave motion. This theory, however, fails to address a number of issues that are certain to be important for gravity wave propagation and saturation in the middle atmosphere. These issues, including wave transience, wave superposition, local convective adjustment, and nonlinearity, are discussed.
Document ID
19860018306
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Fritts, D. C.
(Alaska Univ. Fairbanks, AK, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: International Council of Scientific Unions Handbook for MAP, Vol. 18
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
86N27778
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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