First detection of wave interactions in the middle atmosphere of Mars

Abstract

[1] Planetary wave-tide interactions are known to exist in Earth's atmosphere and to account for some of its diurnal variability, or put another way, for variations in its diurnal cycle over time scales from days to weeks. In this study, using an elaborate arrangement of temperature profiles at a single local time from MRO/Mars Climate Sounder, we show that planetary wave-tide interactions also occur in the middle atmosphere of Mars. These interactions excite secondary waves that amplify on average with altitude and appear to be an important source of tidal and longitudinal variability.