On the effects of atmospheric gravity waves on profiles of H, O3, and OH emission

Abstract

The effect of gravity waves on H and O3 profiles is investigated using a gravity wave model, valid for an inhomogeneous atmosphere. The consequent effect on OH emission is also considered using Good's data for the ‘undisturbed’ profiles. The results show that (1) the magnitude of the response depends on the relative magnitudes and signatures of the vertical and horizontal wave‐induced flux. Since in some regions the horizontal velocity field of the gravity wave can increase much more rapidly with height than the vertical field, horizontal flux can in some instances overcome the vertical even when there is a relatively sharp layer gradient. (2) The structures in the OH profile produced by the gravity wave are in general, but not always, more pronounced below the intensity peak than above. The observed dark areas on OH emission can be produced by gravity waves with vertical wavelength small compared with the half width of the intensity profile.