Tidal Variability in the Mesosphere and Thermosphere

University Of Colorado At Boulder, Boulder CO

Investigators

Abstract

The award would support the continuation of a numerical modeling study that seeks to understand the sources of tidal variability in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region. The steady state Global Scale Wave Model would be improved through several upgrades of the basic physics in the forcing of atmospheric tides by solar insolation absorption by water vapor, clouds, and latent heating. A Spectral Dynamics Model based upon a nonlinear time dependent approach to the solution of the primitive equations would be exercised to capture the typical 2-day, 5-day, and 10-day planetary wave events to understand the excitation of secondary waves and their impact upon tidal variability.