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Theoretical gravity wave spectrum in the atmosphere: Strong and weak wave interactions
Author(s) -
Weinstock J.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1029/rs020i006p01295
Subject(s) - physics , gravity wave , spectral line , gravitational wave , dissipation , wave turbulence , atmosphere (unit) , surface gravity , wave propagation , turbulence , classical mechanics , computational physics , quantum mechanics , mechanics , meteorology
It is pointed out that vertical wave number spectra of gravity waves can be divided into subranges of weak and strong wave interactions and that observed −2.5 to −3 power law spectra may fall within the strong interaction subrange. An elementary criterion is derived to help distinguish between weak and strong waves. It is then shown that the strong wave subrange is predicted by a well‐known theory of Lumley. The relation of theory and observation to breaking gravity waves, turbulence dissipation, and length scales is discussed. The validity of Lumley's theory is summarized, and unresolved questions for future investigations of atmospheric wave spectra are raised.