The zonal mean circulation of the middle atmosphere simulated by a general circulation model that includes the Doppler spread parameterization of gravity-wave momentum deposition is presented. To illustrate the impact of the parameterization, this simulation is compared to another obtained by using Rayleigh friction instead. It is found that the Doppler spread parameterization improves the extratropical zonal mean circulation in the mesosphere by reducing the strength of the zonal winds above the jet maximum. The parameterization also improves the simulation of the equatorial semiannual oscillation in the zonal mean zonal wind at the stratopause by enhancing the eastward phase and its downward propagation. ¿ 1997 American Geophysical Union