EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Zhou & Morton 2006
Zhou, Q. and Morton, Y.T. (2006). A case study of mesospheric gravity wave momentum flux and dynamical instability using the Arecibo dual beam incoherent scatter radar. Geophysical Research Letters 33: doi: 10.1029/2005GL025608. issn: 0094-8276.

We report the first observation of gravity wave momentum flux in the mesosphere using the dual-beam Arecibo incoherent scatter radar (ISR). Quasi-monochromatic waves were observed throughout the daytime of July 28, 2001 in the altitude range of 65--85 km. The largest wave speed was about 100 m/s and the dominant period was about 15 min. Instability, as indicated by the Richardson number, occurred at several altitudes, most dramatically at 77 and 81 kilometers. The zonal momentum flux is found to change sign at altitudes where dynamical instability occurs. No significant gravity waves were observed in the region having an eastward background wind, while they were ubiquitous when the background wind was westward.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Ionosphere, Wave propagation (0689, 3285, 4275, 4455, 6934), Atmospheric Processes, Mesospheric dynamics, Atmospheric Processes, Remote sensing, Atmospheric Processes, Turbulence, Atmospheric Processes, Acoustic-gravity waves
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit