RUI: Wave-Induced Nonlinear Response of Chemically Active Species and Associated Airglow Emissions in a Shear Flow

Pennsylvania State Univ University Park, University Park PA

Investigators

Abstract

The nonlinear response of minor species in the mesosphere-lower-thermosphere (MLT) region to sheer flows in gravity waves is investigated. Airglow signatures that are a consequence of this nonlinear response are isolated for the purpose of interpreting existing and future measurements. A nonlinear model previously used to successfully investigate dynamical effects of gravity waves on the ambient MLT region is expanded to include the response of chemically active species to sheer flows. Subsequent response of related quantities, like populations of vibrationally or rotationally excited species and the energy level populations of those, are determined for the expressed purpose of interpreting airglow measurements.