Numerical modeling of the propagation of nonlinear acoustic-gravity waves in the middle and upper atmosphere

Abstract

A numerical algorithm for modeling the vertical propagation and breaking of nonlinear acoustic-gravity waves (AGWs) from the Earth’s surface to the upper atmosphere is described in brief. Monochromatic variations in the vertical velocity at the Earth’s surface are used as an AGW source in the model. The algorithm for solving atmospheric hydrodynamic equations is based on three-dimensional finite-difference analogues of fundamental conservation laws. This approach selects physically correct generalized solutions to hydrodynamic equations. A numerical simulation is carried out in an altitude region from the Earth’s surface to 500 km. Vertical profiles of the background temperature, density, and coefficients of molecular viscosity and heat conduction are taken from the standard atmosphere models. Calculations are made for different amplitudes of lower-boundary wave forcing. The AGW amplitudes increase with altitude, and waves may break in the middle and upper atmosphere.