Vertical Wavenumber Spectra of Gravity Waves in the Martian Atmosphere Obtained from Mars Global Surveyor Radio Occultation Data

Abstract

Abstract Vertical wavenumber spectra of Martian gravity waves were obtained for the altitude range 3–32 km from temperature profiles acquired by the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) radio occultation experiments. The spectra, which cover vertical wavelengths from 2.5 to 15 km, generally show a decline of the spectral density with wavenumber similar to those obtained in the terrestrial stratosphere and mesosphere. The power-law spectral index is typically around −3 except near the low-wavenumber end, and the spectra frequently lie along the theoretical spectrum for saturated gravity waves developed for Earth’s atmosphere. The results suggest that gravity wave saturation occurs in the atmosphere of Mars as well as that of Earth.