Upper atmosphere wind observations of waves and tides with the UNH Meteor Radar System at Durham 43°N (1977, 1978 and 1979)

Abstract

Meteor wind data obtained during the years 1977–1979 have been processed to obtain prevailing 12h, 24h, and pseudo 2 day components. These results are presented and compared with winds measured at other sites. Monthly wind values at various heights show regularity for the semi diurnal tide in both amplitude and phase. The average properties of the semi diurnal tide agree well with classical tidal theory. There is considerable energy present in the diurnal and pseudo 2 day components, their amplitudes and phases are quiteirregular. The prevailing wind is consistent with that observed at other locations. During the summer, the meridional component is equatorward at all levels (4–12 ms −1) and the zonal component is eastward at all levels (15–30 ms −1).