Convectively Generated Internal Gravity Waves in the Lower Atmosphere of Venus. Part II: Mean Wind Shear and Wave–Mean Flow Interaction

Abstract

Abstract This paper is the second of a two-part study that numerically investigates internal gravity wave generation by convection in the lower atmosphere of Venus. Part I of this study considers gravity wave generation and propagation in the absence of mean wind shear. In Part II, the Venus westward superrotation is included, and wave–mean flow interaction is assessed. Both lower-atmosphere convection and cloud-level convection play active roles in the dynamics of the stable layer from 31- to 47-km altitude when mean wind shear is present. This result contrasts with the simulation without mean wind shear presented in Part I where cloud-level convection was primarily responsible for gravity wave generation in the stable layer. In the presence of mean wind shear, upward entrainment from lower-atmosphere convection and downward penetration from cloud-level convection are comparable in magnitude. Convectively generated internal gravity waves have horizontal wavelengths (∼25–30 km) comparable to horizontal sc...