Abstract
Mesopause region temperature measurements made with a sodium resonance lidar show two unexpected features: (1) Strong positive temperature gradients are often associated with strong gradients in the sodium concentration and (2) positive temperature gradients are generally much stronger than negative ones. Although the structures we see frequently appear to be associated with gravity waves or tides, the asymmetrical temperature oscillations cannot be explained as the result of simple wave propagation. We suggest that strong positive temperature gradients correspond to regions of high atmospheric stability, where eddy diffusion is inhibited, permitting the build-up of strong gradients in temperature and minor constituent mixing ratio.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.