Equatorial Oscillation Research Articles

Evolution of the equatorial oscillation in Saturn's stratosphere between 2005 and 2010 from Cassini/CIRS limb data analysis

We present an analysis of thermal infrared spectra acquired in limb viewing geometry by Cassini/CIRS in February 2010. We retrieve vertical profiles of Saturn's stratospheric temperature from 20 hPa to 10−2 hPa, at 9 latitudes between 20°N and 20°S. Using the gradient thermal wind equation, we derive a map of the zonal wind field. Both the temperature and the zonal wind vertical profiles exhibit an oscillation in the equatorial region. These results are compared to the temperature and zonal wind maps obtained from 2005–2006 CIRS limb data, when this oscillation was first reported. In both epochs, strong temperature anomalies at the equator (up to 20K) are consistent with adiabatic heating (cooling) due to a sinking (rising) motion at a speed of 0.1–0.2 mm/s. Finally, we show that the altitude of the maximum eastward wind has moved downwards by 1.3 scale heights in 4.2 years, hence with a ‘phase’ speed of ∼0.5 mm/s. This rate is consistent with the estimated period of 14.7 years for the equatorial oscillation, and requires a local zonal acceleration of 1.1 × 10−6 m.s−2 at the 2.5 hPa pressure level. This downward propagation of the oscillation is consistent with it being driven by absorption of upwardly propagating waves.

Saturn's equatorial oscillation: Evidence of descending thermal structure from Cassini radio occultations

[1] A series of near-equatorial radio occultations of Cassini by Saturn occurred in 2005 and again in 2009–2010. Comparison of the temperature-pressure profiles obtained from the two sets of occultations shows evidence of a descending pattern in the stratosphere that is similar to those associated with equatorial oscillations in Earth's middle atmosphere. This is the first time that this descent has been observed in another planetary atmosphere. If absorption of upwardly propagating waves drives the descent, the implied absorbed flux is 0.05 m2 s−2, at least as large if not greater than on Earth.

Solar cycle signatures in the NCEP equatorial annual oscillation

Abstract. Our analysis of temperature and zonal wind data (1958 to 2006) from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) reanalysis (Re-1), supplied by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), shows that the hemispherically symmetric 12-month equatorial annual oscillation (EAO) contains spectral signatures with periods around 11 years. Moving windows of 44 years show that, below 20 km, the 11-year modulation of the EAO is phase locked to the solar cycle (SC). The spectral features from the 48-year data record reveal modulation signatures of 9.6 and 12 years, which produce EAO variations that mimic in limited altitude regimes the varying maxima and minima of the 10.7 cm flux solar index. Above 20 km, the spectra also contain modulation signatures with periods around 11 years, but the filtered variations are too irregular to suggest that systematic SC forcing is the principal agent.

Kelvin waves in stratosphere, mesosphere and lower thermosphere temperatures as observed by TIMED/SABER during 2002–2006

Abstract Temperature measurements from the SABER instrument on the TIMED spacecraft are used to elucidate the properties of Kelvin waves and other equatorial oscillations over the altitude range 20–120 km during 2002–2006. The dominant Kelvin waves transition from long periods (52–10 days) and short wavelengths (9–13 km) in the stratosphere, to shorter periods (2–3 days) and longer wavelengths (35–45 km) in the 80–120 km height region. Ultra-Fast Kelvin Waves (UFKW) with periods of 2.5–4.5 days intermittently exist at amplitudes of order 3–10 K between 80–120 km during all months of the year, with variability at periods typically in the 20–60 day range. An Intra-seasonal oscillation (ISO) of zonal mean temperatures also exists with periods 20–60 days that may be driven by Eliassen-Palm Flux Divergences (EPFD) due, at least in part, to UFKW and migrating diurnal tides.

Polarization and phase of planetary‐period magnetic field oscillations on high‐latitude field lines in Saturn's magnetosphere

We examine magnetic field data obtained by the Cassini spacecraft on a sequence of high‐latitude orbits in Saturn's magnetosphere spanning October 2006 to May 2007 to determine whether planetary‐period oscillations are present on polar open field lines, such as have been found previously in near‐equatorial magnetic field data. Such oscillations are found generally to be present with amplitudes ∼0.5–1 nT, somewhat smaller than the few nT amplitudes typical of the quasi‐dipolar equatorial region. The polarization characteristics in the northern and southern polar regions are determined and found to differ significantly from those in the equatorial region. The phases of the oscillations in the northern and southern hemispheres are also determined relative to the equatorial oscillations, and hence relative to each other, requiring extension of the equatorial oscillation phase model to the end of 2007, spanning the interval of high‐latitude orbits. The results show that the overall pattern of field oscillations is not consistent with a rotating external current system that mimics a rotating transverse dipole in the outer regions. Rather, we suggest that the overall field perturbations are associated with a rotating partial ring current and its field‐aligned closure currents, the latter favoring the southern ionosphere during the southern summer conditions examined. A physical picture is presented that links together observed planetary‐period modulations in the middle and outer magnetospheric field, plasma, and radio emissions that may be subject to further test and makes predictions as to how these phenomena will evolve during future Saturn equinox and northern summer conditions.

Strong jet and a new thermal wave in Saturn's equatorial stratosphere

The strong jet, with a speed between 500 and 600 m/s, is inferred in the equatorial region of Saturn by combining the nadir and limb observations of Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) aboard the Cassini spacecraft. A similar jet was discovered on Jupiter (F. M. Flasar et al., 2004a). These discoveries raise the possibility that intense jets are common in the equatorial stratospheres of giant planets. An equatorial wave with wavenumber ∼9 is revealed in the stratosphere of Saturn by the CIRS high spatial‐resolution thermal maps. Our discussion based on the phase velocity suggests that the equatorial wave is probably a Rossby‐gravity wave. The discovery of an equatorial wave in the stratosphere suggests that Saturn's equatorial oscillations (T. Fouchet et al., 2008; G. S. Orton et al., 2008) may be driven by vertically propagating waves, the same mechanism that drives the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) on Earth.

Semi-annual oscillations in Saturn’s low-latitude stratospheric temperatures

Observations of oscillations of temperature and wind in planetary atmospheres provide a means of generalizing models for atmospheric dynamics in a diverse set of planets in the Solar System and elsewhere. An equatorial oscillation similar to one in the Earth's atmosphere has been discovered in Jupiter. Here we report the existence of similar oscillations in Saturn's atmosphere, from an analysis of over two decades of spatially resolved observations of its 7.8-microm methane and 12.2-microm ethane stratospheric emissions, where we compare zonal-mean stratospheric brightness temperatures at planetographic latitudes of 3.6 degrees and 15.5 degrees in both the northern and the southern hemispheres. These results support the interpretation of vertical and meridional variability of temperatures in Saturn's stratosphere as a manifestation of a wave phenomenon similar to that on the Earth and in Jupiter. The period of this oscillation is 14.8 +/- 1.2 terrestrial years, roughly half of Saturn's year, suggesting the influence of seasonal forcing, as is the case with the Earth's semi-annual oscillation.

An equatorial oscillation in Saturn’s middle atmosphere

The middle atmospheres of planets are driven by a combination of radiative heating and cooling, mean meridional motions, and vertically propagating waves (which originate in the deep troposphere). It is very difficult to model these effects and, therefore, observations are essential to advancing our understanding of atmospheres. The equatorial stratospheres of Earth and Jupiter oscillate quasi-periodically on timescales of about two and four years, respectively, driven by wave-induced momentum transport. On Venus and Titan, waves originating from surface-atmosphere interaction and inertial instability are thought to drive the atmosphere to rotate more rapidly than the surface (superrotation). However, the relevant wave modes have not yet been precisely identified. Here we report infrared observations showing that Saturn has an equatorial oscillation like those found on Earth and Jupiter, as well as a mid-latitude subsidence that may be associated with the equatorial motion. The latitudinal extent of Saturn's oscillation shows that it obeys the same basic physics as do those on Earth and Jupiter. Future highly resolved observations of the temperature profile together with modelling of these three different atmospheres will allow us determine the wave mode, the wavelength and the wave amplitude that lead to middle atmosphere oscillation.

Music of the stratospheres

Fifteen-year oscillations in Saturn's equatorial stratosphere bear a striking resemblance to the shorter-term oscillations seen on Earth and Jupiter — akin to notes played on a cello, a violin and a viola. Both Earth and Jupiter have equatorial oscillations in their atmospheres, with two-year and four-year periodicity respectively. Two groups working independently now report a related phenomenon on Saturn. Orton et al. analysed wo decades of ground-based observations of Saturn's stratospheric emissions to reveal an oscillation with a period of 14.8±1.2 terrestrial years. This is roughly half of Saturn's year, suggesting seasonal forcing, as is the case with the Earth's semiannual oscillation. Fouchet et al. used infrared spectrometry data from the Cassini probe to detect a similar equatorial oscillation.

Relationship between equatorial pressure oscillations and tropical cyclones landing over China

With daily reanalysis data by NCEP/NCAR and data of tropical cyclones landing over China from 1949 to 2005, the variation of low-frequency oscillations of equatorial pressure and their relationship with tropical cyclones landing over China in the summer half of the years (June through October) are studied for the 57 years, using spectral analysis and correlation analysis. The results show that the summertime equatorial pressure is mainly of periodic oscillations of 5–7 days and 10–30 days and the interannual variation of the intensity of its quasi-biweekly oscillation is significantly positive correlation with the number of tropical cyclones landing over China. The quasi-biweekly oscillation is filtered from daily equatorial pressure in May–November over the 57 years with inverse wavelet transform and the probability for tropical cyclones landing on coastal China within four days before and after the oscillatory valleys of quasi-biweekly pressure at the equator is 59.7% and 73.0% for June to October and July to September respectively. The model of atmospheric circulation for quasi-biweekly oscillatory valleys of equatorial pressure in association with or without tropical cyclones landing over China in July–September is set up with the composite analysis method. When the valleys are associated with (without) landfall, zonal (meridional) circulation prevails in the mid and high latitudes of the Eastern Hemisphere, the high pressure ridge is weak (strong) near the Sea of Okhotsk, the westerly zone is northward (southward), the subtropical high is westward (eastward) in location and strong (weak) in intensity, the cross-equatorial flow is strong (weak) in southeast Asia, Southwest Monsoon is strong (weak) and stronger (weaker) while in the valleys of pressure, being favorable (unfavorable) for tropical cyclones landing over China. The atmospheric circulation model for oscillatory valleys of biweekly equatorial pressure in association with (without) tropical cyclones landing over China, which can reflect the difference of atmospheric circulation between them, is beneficial to medium-term forecasts of tropical cyclones landing over China.

The QBO as potential amplifier and conduit to lower altitudes of solar cycle influence

Abstract. In several papers, the solar cycle (SC) effect in the lower atmosphere has been linked observationally to the Quasi-biennial Oscillation (QBO) of the zonal circulation. Salby and Callaghan (2000) in particular analyzed the QBO wind measurements, covering more than 40 years, and discovered that they contain a large SC signature at 20 km. We present here the results from a study with our 3-D Numerical Spectral Model (NSM), which relies primarily on parameterized gravity waves (GW) to describe the QBO. In our model, the period of the SC is taken to be 10 years, and the relative amplitude of radiative forcing varies exponentially with height, i.e., 0.2% at the surface, 2% at 50 km, and 20% at 100 km and above. Applying spectral analysis to identify the SC signature, the model generates a relatively large modulation of the QBO, which reproduces the observations qualitatively. The numerical results demonstrate that the QBO modulation, closely tracking the phase of the SC, is robust and persists at least for 70 years. The question is what causes the SC effect, and our analysis shows that four interlocking processes are involved: (1) In the mesosphere at around 60 km, the solar UV variations generate in the zonal winds a SC modulation of the 12-month annual oscillation, which is hemispherically symmetric and confined to equatorial latitudes like the QBO. (2) Although the amplitude of this equatorial annual oscillation (EAO) is relatively small, its SC modulation is large and extends into the lower stratosphere under the influence of, and amplified by, wave forcing. (3) The amplitude modulations of both EAO and QBO are essentially in phase with the imposed SC heating for the entire time span of the model simulation. This indicates that, due to positive feedback in the wave mechanism, the EAO apparently provides the pathway and pacemaker for the SC modulation of the QBO. (4) Our analysis demonstrates that the SC modulations of the QBO and EAO are amplified by tapping the momentum from the upward propagating gravity waves. Influenced and amplified by wave processes, the QBO thus acts as conduit to transfer to lower altitudes the larger SC variations in the UV absorbed in the mesosphere. Our model produces in the temperature variations of the QBO and EAO measurable SC modulations at polar latitudes near the tropopause. The effects are apparently generated by the meridional circulation, and planetary waves presumably, which redistribute the energy from the equatorial region where the waves are very effective in amplifying the SC influence.

Equatorial annual oscillation with QBO-driven 5-year modulation in NCEP data

Abstract. An analysis is presented of the stratospheric zonal wind and temperature variations supplied by the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The derived zonal-mean variations are employed. Stimulated by modeling studies, the data are separated into the hemispherically symmetric and anti-symmetric components, and spectral analysis is applied to study the 12-month annual oscillation (AO) and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). For data samples that cover as much as 40 years, the zonal wind results reveal a pronounced 5-year modulation of the symmetric AO in the lower stratosphere, which is confined to equatorial latitudes. This modulation is also seen in the temperature variations but extends to high latitudes, qualitatively consistent with published model results. A comparison between different time intervals of the data indicates that the signature of the 5-year oscillation is larger when the QBO of 30 months is more pronounced. Thus there is circumstantial evidence that this particular QBO period is involved in generating the oscillation as was shown in a modeling study (Mayr et al., 2000). In agreement with the model, the spectral analysis also reveals a weak anti-symmetric 5-year oscillation in the zonal wind data, which could interact with the strong anti-symmetric AO to produce the modulation of the symmetric AO. The 30-month QBO is well suited to be synchronized by, and phase-locked to, the equatorial semi-annual oscillation (SAO), and this may explain why this QBO periodicity and its 5-year spin-off are observed to persist for many cycles.

Mesospheric non-migrating tides generated with planetary waves: I. Characteristics

In light of the measurements from the TIMED spacecraft and coordinated ground-based observations, we discuss results from a modeling study with our Numerical Spectral Model (NSM), which specifically deals with the non-migrating tides generated in the mesosphere. The NSM extends from the ground to the thermosphere, incorporates Hines’ Doppler Spread Parameterization for small-scale gravity waves (GWs), and it describes the major dynamical features of the atmosphere including the wave driven equatorial oscillations (QBO and SAO), and the seasonal variations of tides and planetary waves (PWs). Accounting solely for the excitation sources of the solar migrating tides, the NSM generates through nonlinear interactions also non-migrating tides in the mesosphere that are comparable in magnitude to those observed. (The important non-migrating tides generated explicitly by processes like tropospheric latent heat release and convection are not included.) Large non-migrating tides are produced in the diurnal and semi-diurnal oscillations for the zonal mean (wave number m = 0 ) and in the semidiurnal oscillation for m = 1 . In general, significant eastward and westward propagating tides are generated for all the zonal wave numbers m = 1 –4. To identify the cause, the NSM is run without the solar heating for the zonal mean ( m = 0 ), and the amplitudes of the resulting non-migrating tides are then negligibly small. In this case, the PWs generated by instabilities are artificially suppressed. This leads to the conclusion that the non-migrating tides are produced through nonlinear interactions between PWs and migrating tides, as had been previously proposed. In the accompanying paper, we present results from numerical experiments, which demonstrate that GW filtering contributes significantly to produce the nonlinear coupling that is involved.

Modeling study of mesospheric planetary waves: genesis and characteristics

Abstract. The Numerical Spectral Model (NSM) extends from the ground into the thermosphere and incorporates Hines' Doppler Spread Parameterization for small-scale gravity waves (GWs). In the present version of the model we account for a tropospheric heat source in the zonal mean (m=0), which reproduces qualitatively the observed zonal jets near the tropopause and the accompanying reversal in the latitudinal temperature variations. In the study presented here, we discuss the planetary waves (PWs) that are solely generated internally, i.e. without the explicit excitation sources related to tropospheric convection or topography. Our analysis shows that PWs are not produced when the zonally averaged heat source into the atmosphere is artificially suppressed, and that the PWs are generally weaker when the tropospheric source is not applied. Instabilities associated with the zonal mean temperature, pressure and wind fields, which still need to be explored, are exciting PWs that have amplitudes in the mesosphere comparable to those observed. Three classes of PWs are generated in the NSM. (1) Rossby type PWs, which slowly propagate westward relative to the mean zonal flow, are carried by the winds so that they appear (from the ground) to propagate, respectively, eastward and westward in the winter and summer hemispheres below 80km. Depending on the zonal wave number and magnitudes of the zonal winds, and under the influence of the equatorial oscillations, these PWs typically have periods between 2 and 20 days. Their horizontal wind amplitudes can exceed 40 m/s in the lower mesosphere. (2) Rossby-gravity waves, which propagate westward at low latitudes and have periods around 2 days for zonal wave numbers m=2 to 4. (3) Eastward propagating equatorial Kelvin waves, which are generated in the upper mesosphere with periods between 1 and 3 days depending on m. A survey of the PWs reveals that the largest wind amplitudes tend to occur below 80km in the winter hemisphere; but above that altitude the amplitudes are larger in the summer hemisphere where the winds can approach 50m/s. This pattern in the seasonal variations also appears in the baroclinity of the zonal mean (m=0). The nonmigrating tides in the mesosphere are significantly larger for the model with the tropospheric heat source, in which PWs are apparently generated by the instabilities that arise around the tropopause.

Nonlinear analysis of equatorial eastern pacific air-sea coupling oscillation and a limitcycle theory for enso cycle

The troposphere and ocean mixed layer were considered as two components of a dynamic system operated by solar radiation as the constant sourece of enrgy, where upon an air-sea coupling self-exited coupling oscillation model was based with the aid of a locally averaged thermodynamic climate model, resulting mathematically in a closed self-governed dynamic system, a so-called El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) system. With the limit cycle solution of the system. It is shown that the essential physics of the coupled system can be described by the ENSO system. Compared with the observations, the theoretical limit cycle orbit matches the observed phase loop qualitatively. The ENSO system provides a useful theoretical framework for study of interannual variation of the tropical climate system.

Intraseasonal oscillations in the middle atmosphere forced by gravity waves

In our Numerical Spectral Model (NSM) that incorporates Hines’ Doppler Spread Parameterization, small-scale gravity waves (GW) propagating in the east/west direction can generate the essential features of the observed equatorial oscillations in the zonal circulation and in particular the QBO extending from the stratosphere into the upper mesosphere. We report here that the NSM also produces in the zonally symmetric (wavenumber=0) meridional circulation intraseasonal oscillations on time scales of a few months. A distinct but variable meridional wind oscillation (MWO) is generated, which appears to be the counterpart to the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). With a vertical grid-point resolution of about 0.5 km , the NSM produces the MWO through momentum deposition of GWs propagating in the north/south direction. The resulting momentum source represents a non-linear function of the meridional winds that is of third (generally odd) order, and this enables the oscillation, as is the case for the zonal winds in the QBO. Since the meridional winds are relatively small compared to the zonal winds, however, the vertical scale-length for the MWO is much smaller, i.e., only about 10 km instead of 40 km for the QBO. Consistent with the associated increase of the viscous stress, the period of the MWO is then short compared with that of the QBO, i.e., only about 1–4 months. Measurements with the HRDI instrument on UARS show evidence of the MWO with periods between 2 and 3 months (Huang and Reber, J. Geophys. Res. (2003)). Depending on the strength of the GW forcing, the computed amplitudes of the MWO are typically 5 m/ s in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere, and the associated temperature amplitudes are about 3 K . These amplitudes may be observable with the instruments on the TIMED spacecraft. Extended computer simulations with the NSM in 2D and 3D reveal that the MWO is modulated by and in turn influences the QBO.

Properties of QBO and SAO generated by gravity waves

In this paper we present an extension for the 2D (zonal mean) version of our numerical spectral mode (NSM) that incorporates Hines’ Doppler spread parameterization (DSP) for small-scale gravity waves (GW). This model is applied to describe the seasonal variations and the semi-annual and quasi-biennial oscillations (SAO and QBO). Our earlier model reproduced the salient features of the mean zonal circulation in the middle atmosphere, including the QBO extension into the upper mesosphere inferred from UARS measurements. The model is extended to reproduce the upwelling at equatorial latitudes that is associated with the Brewer–Dobson circulation — which affects significantly the dynamics of the stratosphere as Dunkerton had pointed out. In the presence of GW, this upwelling is produced in our model with tropospheric heating, which generates also zonal jets outside the tropics similar to those observed. The resulting upward vertical winds increase the period of the QBO. To compensate for that, one needs to increase the eddy diffusivity and the GW momentum flux, bringing the latter closer to values recommended in the DSP. The QBO period in the model is 30 months (mo), which is conducive to synchronize this oscillation with the seasonal cycle of solar forcing. Associated with this QBO are interannual and interseasonal variations that become increasingly more important at higher altitudes — and this variability is interpreted in terms of GW filtering that effectively couples the dynamical components of the mesosphere. The computed temperature amplitudes for the SAO and QBO are in substantial agreement with observations at equatorial and extra-tropical latitudes. At high latitudes, however, the observed QBO amplitudes are significantly larger, which may be a signature of propagating planetary waves not included in the present model. The assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium not being imposed, we find that the effects from the vertical Coriolis force associated with the equatorial oscillations are large for the vertical winds and significant for the temperature variations even outside the tropics, but the effects are small for the zonal winds.

Long-term changes of the upper stratosphere as seen by Japanese rocketsondes at Ryori (39°N, 141°E)

Abstract. Wind and temperature profiles measured routinely by rockets at Ryori (Japan) since 1970 are analysed to quantify interannual changes that occur in the upper stratosphere. The analysis involved using a least square fitting of the data with a multiparametric adaptative model composed of a linear combination of some functions that represent the main expected climate forcing responses of the stratosphere. These functions are seasonal cycles, solar activity changes, stratospheric optical depth induced by volcanic aerosols, equatorial wind oscillations and a possible linear trend. Step functions are also included in the analyses to take into account instrumental changes. Results reveal a small change for wind data series above 45 km when new corrections were introduced to take into account instrumental changes. However, no significant change of the mean is noted for temperature even after sondes were improved. While wind series reveal no significant trends, a significant cooling of 2.0 to 2.5 K/decade is observed in the mid upper stratosphere using this analysis method. This cooling is more than double the cooling predicted by models by a factor of more than two. In winter, it may be noted that the amplitude of the atmospheric response is enhanced. This is probably caused by the larger ozone depletion and/or by some dynamical feedback effects. In winter, cooling tends to be smaller around 40-45 km (in fact a warming trend is observed in December) as already observed in other data sets and simulated by models. Although the winter response to volcanic aerosols is in good agreement with numerical simulations, the solar signature is of the opposite sign to that expected. This is not understood, but it has already been observed with other data sets.Key words. Atmospheric composition and structure (evolution of one atmosphere; pressure · density · and temperature) · Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (middle atmosphere dynamics)

The role of gravity waves in maintaining the QBO and SAO at equatorial latitudes

We present a numerical spectral model (NSM) that describes the equatorial oscillations in the zonal circulation, the Quasi-biennial Oscillations (QBO) and Semi-annual Oscillations (SAO). The oscillations are generated by the momentum deposition of small scale gravity waves (GW) described with the Doppler spread parameterization (DSP) of Hines. We discuss here the GW mechanism and some of the conditions that are favorable for generating the QBO and SAO. Our model reproduces the salient features observed and leads to the following conclusions: (1) In 2D, a QBO can be generated with a period of about 30 months, peak amplitude close to 20 m/s near 30 km, and downward propagation velocity of 1.2 km/months, close to the observed values. The QBO phase reverses near 70 km and extends with significant amplitude into the upper mesosphere. (2) SAO amplitudes between 5 and 30 m/s are generated that peak at about 55 km with eastward phase during equinox. A second peak with opposite phase is produced above 70 km. (3) The computed oscillations depend on the rate of radiative cooling and on the chosen eddy viscosity that is tied in the DSP to the GW source but is uncertain to some degree. (4) GW filtering by the QBO at lower altitudes can account for the large variability in the SAO that is observed. The SAO in turn also affects the QBO, and under certain conditions the seasonal (semiannual) variations in the solar forcing can act as a pacemaker to seed and synchronize the QBO. (5) In a 3D version of the model that computes also tides and planetary waves, the amplitudes of the SAO, and even the QBO, are significantly reduced compared to 2D. The tides and planetary waves apparently absorb some of the GW momentum that otherwise in 2D goes into the equatorial oscillations of the zonal circulation. (7) The QBO is also generated in 3D with Kelvin and Rossby gravity waves that deposit momentum through nonlinear advection and radiative cooling. However, the wave amplitudes need to be carefully tuned in order to generate such an oscillation, in contrast to the GW mechanism which is robust.

Variability of the equatorial oscillations induced by gravity wave filtering

Large variations are observed in the Semi‐Annual Oscillation (SAO) and Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) near the equator that are not well understood. We had shown earlier that small scale gravity waves (GW) can generate these oscillations. Here we demonstrate that GW filtering can also produce the variability. Our model incorporates Hines' Doppler Spread Parameterization (DSP) for GW. In the present version, we employ a larger GW flux and a more realistic description of Newtonian cooling. This model produces a QBO with amplitudes close to 15 m/s at 25 km and periods around 33 months. At higher altitudes, the model produces a SAO with amplitudes varying between 5 and 30 m/s. We interpret these variations in terms of GW filtering by the QBO that produces beat periods between 4 and 8.5 years. To provide better understanding, we present also a case in which the QBO period is virtually locked at 18 months. The SAO amplitude then varies with a regular pattern having a period of 18 months, and the Annual Oscillation (AO) amplitude varies with a period of 36 months. For QBO's with periods of 18 (or 30) months, the phase relationship with the seasonal cycle of solar forcing would tend to synchronize and stabilize the oscillations.