Turbulent heating and transfer in the stratosphere and mesosphere

Abstract

Analysis of rocket grenade experimental data from 40 to 90 km altitude and at latitude 38°N results in determination of the dynamically and statically unstable regions of the upper stratosphere and mesosphere. Richardson number normalization of the ratio of non-dimensional turbulence to mean parameter allows us to extrapolate these results to the upper atmosphere. At the Richardson numberindicated unstable regions, the steady state turbulent energy rate equation is solved, resulting in heat and momentum transfer coefficients, fluxes and the rate of energy dissipation. Given continuously unstable regions, the vertical heat and momentum flux divergences are also determined. Summer averages of the results of these analyses are given.