The Effects of Local Body Forces and Re-Radiated Gravity Waves in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere

Northwest Research Associates, Incorporated, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

The investigators will use computer models to better characterize the mesospheric body forces resulting from gravity wave dissipation and determine the propagation of these gravity waves into the lower thermosphere. The dynamics of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) is strongly influenced by wave breaking and momentum transport. Prior work has shown that localized body forces re-radiate secondary gravity waves which propagate into the lower thermosphere. These secondary gravity waves may therefore play a significant role in the momentum budget of the thermosphere. The investigators will used existing models to simulate the small-scale dynamics of the MLT region and the effects of gravity waves. Airglow and radar data will be used to quantify the MLT body forces, which will be used to model the generation and propagation of secondary gravity waves. This study has the potential to identify a new, important process regulating energy flow in the middle and lower atmosphere that may also have application to stellar and planetary atmospheres where gravity wave breaking and momentum transfer are important.