Simulated Ducting of High-frequency Atmospheric Gravity Waves in the Presence of Background Winds

Yonghui Yu, Michael P. Hickey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A new nonlinear and time-dependent model is used to derive the total perturbation energy flux of two gravity wave packets propagating from the troposphere to the lower thermosphere. They are excited by a heat source and respectively propagate in an eastward and westward direction in the presence of a zonal wind. Analysis of the refractive index, the power spectra and the total perturbation energy flux allows us to correctly interpret the ducting characteristics of these two wave packets. In our study the wind acts as a directional filter to the wave propagations and causes noticeable spectral variations at higher altitudes. We are the first that time-resolve the total perturbation energy flux influenced by the winds and the simulations have immediate impacts to the airglow observations on certain wave spectra.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume34
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 5 2007

Keywords

  • atmospheric gravity waves
  • Doppler ducting
  • power spectra
  • Mesospheric dynamics
  • Middle atmosphere dynamics
  • Acoustic-gravity waves

Disciplines

  • Atmospheric Sciences

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