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Equatorial Atmosphere Radar observations of short vertical wavelength gravity waves in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere region induced by localized convection
Author(s) -
Dhaka S. K.,
Yamamoto M. K.,
Shibagaki Y.,
Hashiguchi H.,
Fukao S.,
Chun H.Y.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2006gl027026
Subject(s) - stratosphere , troposphere , gravity wave , wavelength , atmospheric sciences , atmosphere (unit) , convection , geology , mesosphere , climatology , gravitational wave , meteorology , physics , astrophysics , optics
Equatorial Atmosphere Radar (EAR) observations made at Koto Tabang (0.2°S, 100.32°E) revealed that gravity waves with a short vertical wavelength (∼2–4 km) were evident in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). Results are based on two convective events observed on 11 April and 26 April 2004. Above the convective region (∼12–13 km heights) the decrease in the vertical wavelength ( λ z ) found in vertical wind profiles was noticeable. Large portions of the induced gravity waves with short λ z dissipated in the lower stratosphere and hence their role is considered to be of importance for the dynamics of UTLS region. Gradual decrease in λ z of gravity waves between 12 km and 20 km heights is partly made by a steady increase in Brunt Väisälla frequency from ∼12 km to 20 km heights. The decrease in amplitude in UTLS may be due to damping mechanism.