Role of gravity waves in vertical coupling during sudden stratospheric warmings

Alexander S. Medvedev,Erdal Yiğit

doi:10.1186/s40562-016-0056-1

Abstract

Gravity waves are primarily generated in the lower atmosphere, and can reach thermospheric heights in the course of their propagation. This paper reviews the recent progress in understanding the role of gravity waves in vertical coupling during sudden stratospheric warmings. Modeling of gravity wave effects is briefly reviewed, and the recent developments in the field are presented. Then, the impact of these waves on the general circulation of the upper atmosphere is outlined. Finally, the role of gravity waves in vertical coupling between the lower and the upper atmosphere is discussed in the context of sudden stratospheric warmings.

Highlights

The lower atmosphere, where meteorological processes take place, is the primary source of internal atmospheric waves: gravity waves (GWs), planetary (Rossby) waves, and solar tides
We report on the recent advances in understanding the meteorological effects in the upper atmosphere, focusing primarily on the links between stratospheric warmings (SSWs), small-scale GWs, and thermosphere–ionosphere dynamics
Based on temperature and geopotential height data obtained from the sounding the atmosphere using broadband emission radiometry (SABER) instrument of the thermosphere ionosphere mesosphere energetics and dynamics (TIMED) satellite and the VHF radar horizontal winds, Pancheva et al (2008) have investigated planetary wave-induced coupling in the stratosphere–mesosphere during the major warming of 2003/2004 winter Northern Hemisphere

Summary

Introduction

The lower atmosphere, where meteorological processes take place, is the primary source of internal atmospheric waves: gravity waves (GWs), planetary (Rossby) waves, and solar tides. Simulations of Yiğit et al (2009) with the Coupled Middle Atmosphere and Thermosphere-2 (CMAT2, Yiğit 2009) GCM incorporating the extended nonlinear parameterization of Yiğit et al (2008) revealed that the momentum deposition by lower atmospheric GWs in the F region is substantial and is comparable to that by ion drag.

Results

Conclusion