Transmission of gravity waves and planetary waves in the middle atmosphere based on lidar and rocket measurements
Document ID: 77
Philbrick, C. Russell
Chen, Byron H.
Communications and Space Sciences Laboratory
Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802
Abstract
Using a set of results obtained from LIDAR measurements during February to April 1986 at Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska, an investigation of the planetary and gravity waves in the middle atmosphere has been made. The measurement period included a moderate stratospheric warming which reached its peak response at 65°N latitude on 20/21 February. The wave activity was modulated greatly in amplitude during the stratospheric warming. The modeled periods, amplitudes and phases of the two primary wave components agree well with the planetary wave numbers 1 and 2. The peak of the planetary wave amplitude appears to be due to the sum effects of the constructive interference of the waves. The peak of the amplitude of the planetary waves on 21 February corresponds to a major increase in profile structure and results in a stratosphere density gradient that is convectively unstable over a thick layer.
| Citation: | "Transmission of gravity waves and planetary waves in the middle atmosphere based on lidar and rocket measurements", Philbrick, C. R., B. H. Chen, Advances in Space Research, Vol. 12, No. 10, COSPAR (Committee on Space Research), 1992, pp. 303 - 306 |