A search for mountain waves in MLS stratospheric limb radiances from the winter Northern Hemisphere: Data analysis and global mountain wave modeling

2004 ◽  
Vol 109 (D3) ◽  
pp. n/a-n/a ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Jiang ◽  
Stephen D. Eckermann ◽  
Dong L. Wu ◽  
Jun Ma
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Northern Hemisphere ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Wave Modeling ◽  
Mountain Waves

scholarly journals Nondissipative and Dissipative Momentum Deposition by Mountain Wave Events in Sheared Environments

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 2721-2740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher G. Kruse ◽  
Ronald B. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Subsequent Evolution ◽  
Event Duration ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Vertical Dispersion ◽  
Nonlinear Transient

AbstractMountain waves (MWs) are generated during episodic cross-barrier flow over broad-spectrum terrain. However, most MW drag parameterizations neglect transient, broad-spectrum dynamics. Here, the influences of these dynamics on both nondissipative and dissipative momentum deposition by MW events are quantified in a 2D, horizontally periodic idealized framework. The influences of the MW spectrum, vertical wind shear, and forcing duration are investigated. MW events are studied using three numerical models—the nonlinear, transient WRF Model; a linear, quasi-transient Fourier-ray model; and an optimally tuned Lindzen-type saturation parameterization—allowing quantification of total, nondissipative, and dissipative MW-induced decelerations, respectively. Additionally, a pseudomomentum diagnostic is used to estimate nondissipative decelerations within the WRF solutions. For broad-spectrum MWs, vertical dispersion controls spectrum evolution aloft. Short MWs propagate upward quickly and break first at the highest altitudes. Subsequently, the arrival of additional longer MWs allows breaking at lower altitudes because of their greater contribution to u variance. As a result, minimum breaking levels descend with time and event duration. In zero- and positive-shear environments, this descent is not smooth but proceeds downward in steps as a result of vertically recurring steepening levels. Nondissipative decelerations are nonnegligible and influence an MW’s approach to breaking, but breaking and dissipative decelerations quickly develop and dominate the subsequent evolution. Comparison of the three model solutions suggests that the conventional instant propagation and monochromatic parameterization assumptions lead to too much MW drag at too low an altitude.

scholarly journals Mountain waves modulate the water vapor distribution in the UTLS

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romy Heller ◽  
Christiane Voigt ◽  
Stuart Beaton ◽  
Andreas Dörnbrack ◽  
Stefan Kaufmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapor ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Vertical Transport ◽  
Vapor Transport ◽  
Water Vapor Transport ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Wave Event ◽  
Transport And Mixing ◽  
Vapor Distribution

Abstract. The water vapor distribution in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere region (UTLS) has a strong impact on the atmospheric radiation budget. Transport and mixing processes on different scales mainly determine the water vapor concentration in the UTLS. Here, we investigate the effect of mountain waves on the vertical transport and mixing of water vapor. For this purpose we analyse measurements of water vapor and meteorological parameters recorded by the DLR Falcon and NSF/NCAR GV research aircraft taken during the Deep Propagating Gravity Wave Experiment (DEEPWAVE) in New Zealand. By combining different methods, we develop a new approach to quantify location, direction and irreversibility of the water vapor transport during a strong mountain wave event on 4 July 2014. A large positive vertical water vapor flux is detected above the Southern Alps extending from the troposphere to the stratosphere in the altitude range between 7.7 and 13.0 km. Wavelet analysis for the 8.9 km altitude level shows that the enhanced upward water vapor transport above the mountains is caused by mountain waves with horizontal wavelengths between 22 and 60 km. A downward transport of water vapor with 22 km wavelength is observed in the lee-side of the mountain ridge. While it is a priori not clear whether the observed fluxes are irreversible, low Richardson numbers derived from dropsonde data indicate enhanced turbulence in the tropopause region related to the mountain wave event. Together with the analysis of the water vapor to ozone correlation we find indications for vertical transport followed by irreversible mixing of water vapor. For our case study, we further estimate greater than 1 W m−2 radiative forcing by the increased water vapor concentrations in the UTLS above the Southern Alps of New Zealand resulting from mountain waves relative to unperturbed conditions. Hence, mountain waves have a great potential to affect the water vapor distribution in the UTLS. Our regional study may motivate further investigations of the global effects of mountain waves on the UTLS water vapor distributions and its radiative effects.

The Interaction of Katabatic Flow and Mountain Waves. Part II: Case Study Analysis and Conceptual Model

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1857-1879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory S. Poulos ◽  
James E. Bossert ◽  
Thomas B. McKee ◽  
Roger A. Pielke
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Gradient Force ◽  
Pressure Gradient Force ◽  
Wave System ◽  
Katabatic Flow ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Wave Evolution

Via numerical analysis of detailed simulations of an early September 1993 case night, the authors develop a conceptual model of the interaction of katabatic flow in the nocturnal boundary layer with mountain waves (MKI). A companion paper (Part I) describes the synoptic and mesoscale observations of the case night from the Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain (ASCOT) experiment and idealized numerical simulations that manifest components of the conceptual model of MKI presented herein. The reader is also referred to Part I for detailed scientific background and motivation. The interaction of these phenomena is complicated and nonlinear since the amplitude, wavelength, and vertical structure of the mountain-wave system developed by flow over the barrier owes some portion of its morphology to the evolving atmospheric stability in which the drainage flows develop. Simultaneously, katabatic flows are impacted by the topographically induced gravity wave evolution, which may include significantly changing wavelength, amplitude, flow magnitude, and wave breaking behavior. In addition to effects caused by turbulence (including scouring), perturbations to the leeside gravity wave structure at altitudes physically distant from the surface-based katabatic flow layer can be reflected in the katabatic flow by transmission through the atmospheric column. The simulations show that the evolution of atmospheric structure aloft can create local variability in the surface pressure gradient force governing katabatic flow. Variability is found to occur on two scales, on the meso-β due to evolution of the mountain-wave system on the order of one hour, and on the microscale due to rapid wave evolution (short wavelength) and wave breaking–induced fluctuations. It is proposed that the MKI mechanism explains a portion of the variability in observational records of katabatic flow.

Meteorological Problems in Forecasting Mountain Waves*

1954 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 363-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
DeVer Colson
Keyword(s):  
Static Stability ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Wave Development ◽  
Strong Winds ◽  
Wind Shears ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Meteorological Problems ◽  
Meteorological Phenomenon

The standing-wave development to the lee of prominent mountain ridges presents not only an interesting meteorological phenomenon but also a definite hazard to certain aircraft operations. An analysis of the mountain-wave observations in the Sierras indicates the presence of strong winds normal to the mountain range as well as large vertical wind shears; and an inversion or at least a stable layer near the level of the mountain crest. Changes in the pressure and temperature patterns at both the surface and 500-mb level are shown for two examples of more intense wave developments. Also, mean surface and upper-level pressure and temperature patterns are shown for the strong-wave days. The association between these mean patterns and surface frontal movements, upper-level troughs, strong temperature gradients, and the jet stream are discussed. An example of the effect of wind shear and static stability is shown using equations and methods developed by Scorer. Data on the occurrence of mountain-wave activity in other mountainous areas of the West are now being collected. Two examples of these results are shown.

scholarly journals Understanding Satellite-Observed Mountain-Wave Signatures Using High-Resolution Numerical Model Data

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. F. Feltz ◽  
K. M. Bedka ◽  
J. A. Otkin ◽  
T. Greenwald ◽  
S. A. Ackerman
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapor ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Weighting Function ◽  
Model Simulation ◽  
Wave Train ◽  
Radiative Transfer Model ◽  
Transfer Model ◽  
Model Data ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Mountain Waves

Abstract Prior work has shown that pilot reports of severe turbulence over Colorado often occur when complex interference or crossing wave patterns are present in satellite water vapor imagery downstream of the Rocky Mountains. To improve the understanding of these patterns, a high-resolution (1-km) Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulation was performed for an intense mountain-wave event that occurred on 6 March 2004. Synthetic satellite imagery was subsequently generated by passing the model-simulated data through a forward radiative transfer model. Comparison with concurrent Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) water vapor imagery demonstrates that the synthetic satellite data realistically captured many of the observed mesoscale features, including a mountain-wave train extending far downstream of the Colorado Front Range, the deformation of this wave train by an approaching cold front, and the substantially warmer brightness temperatures in the lee of the major mountain ranges composing the Colorado Rockies. Inspection of the model data revealed that the mountain waves redistributed the water vapor within the lower and middle troposphere, with the maximum column-integrated water vapor content occurring one-quarter wavelength downstream of the maximum ascent within each mountain wave. Due to this phase shift, the strongest vertical motions occur halfway between the locally warm and cool brightness temperature couplets in the water vapor imagery. Interference patterns seen in the water vapor imagery appear to be associated with mesoscale variability in the ambient wind field at or near mountaintop due to flow interaction with the complex topography. It is also demonstrated that the synergistic use of multiple water vapor channels provides a more thorough depiction of the vertical extent of the mountain waves since the weighting function for each channel peaks at a different height in the atmosphere.

scholarly journals Influence of mountain waves and NAT nucleation mechanisms on polar stratospheric cloud formation at local and synoptic scales during the 1999-2000 Arctic winter

2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 739-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. H. Svendsen ◽  
N. Larsen ◽  
B. Knudsen ◽  
S. D. Eckermann ◽  
E. V. Browell
Keyword(s):  
Winter Season ◽  
Temperature Fluctuations ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Ice Particles ◽  
Wave Forecast ◽  
Synoptic Conditions ◽  
Nucleation Mechanisms ◽  
Wave Induced

Abstract. A scheme for introducing mountain wave-induced temperature pertubations in a microphysical PSC model has been developed. A data set of temperature fluctuations attributable to mountain waves as computed by the Mountain Wave Forecast Model (MWFM-2) has been used for the study. The PSC model has variable microphysics, enabling different nucleation mechanisms for nitric acid trihydrate, NAT, to be employed. In particular, the difference between the formation of NAT and ice particles in a scenario where NAT formation is not dependent on preexisting ice particles, allowing NAT to form at temperatures above the ice frost point, Tice, and a scenario, where NAT nucleation is dependent on preexisting ice particles, is examined. The performance of the microphysical model in the different microphysical scenarios and a number of temperature scenarios with and without the influence of mountain waves is tested through comparisons with lidar measurements of PSCs made from the NASA DC-8 on 23 and 25 January during the SOLVE/THESEO 2000 campaign in the 1999-2000 winter and the effect of mountain waves on local PSC production is evaluated in the different microphysical scenarios. Mountain waves are seen to have a pronounced effect on the amount of ice particles formed in the simulations. Quantitative comparisons of the amount of solids seen in the observations and the amount of solids produced in the simulations show the best correspondence when NAT formation is allowed to take place at temperatures above Tice. Mountain wave-induced temperature fluctuations are introduced in vortex-covering model runs, extending the full 1999-2000 winter season, and the effect of mountain waves on large-scale PSC production is estimated in the different microphysical scenarios. It is seen that regardless of the choice of microphysics ice particles only form as a consequence of mountain waves whereas NAT particles form readily as a consequence of the synoptic conditions alone if NAT nucleation above Tice is included in the simulations. Regardless of the choice of microphysics, the inclusion of mountain waves increases the amount of NAT particles by as much as 10%. For a given temperature scenario the choice of NAT nucleation mechanism may alter the amount of NAT substantially; three-fold increases are easily found when switching from the scenario which requires pre-existing ice particles in order for NAT to form to the scenario where NAT forms independently of ice.

scholarly journals Interacting Mountain Waves and Boundary Layers

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 594-607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald B. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Relaxation Times ◽  
Wave Theory ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Thickness Change ◽  
Pressure Drag ◽  
Wind Response ◽  
Flow Splitting ◽  
And Shifts

Abstract Linear hydrostatic 3D mountain wave theory is extended to include a thin frictional boundary layer (BL), parameterized using two characteristic relaxation times for wind adjustment. The character of the BL is described using a “compliance coefficient,” defined as the ratio of BL thickness change to imposed pressure. In this formulation the simplest model that captures the two-way interaction between mountain waves and the boundary layer is sought. The slower BL wind speed amplifies the wind response and shifts it upstream so that the wind maxima occur in regions of favorable pressure gradient, not at points of minimum pressure. Variations in BL thickness reduce the mountain wave amplitude. The BL effect is sensitive to the wind profile convexity. The boundary layer improves the linear theory description of windy peaks. Low-level flow splitting is enhanced and wave breaking aloft is reduced. The BL also decreases the amount of upslope orographic precipitation. The wave momentum flux reduction by the BL is greater than the pressure drag reduction, indicating that part of the pressure drag is taken from BL momentum.

scholarly journals Calculating the azimuth of mountain waves, using the effect of tilted fine-scale stable layers on VHF radar echoes

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Worthington
Keyword(s):  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Radar Data ◽  
Wave Pattern ◽  
Vertical Wind ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Vhf Radar ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Radar Echo ◽  
The Mean

Abstract. A simple method is described, based on standard VHF wind-profiler data, where imbalances of echo power between four off-vertical radar beams, caused by mountain waves, can be used to calculate the orientation of the wave pattern. It is shown that the mountain wave azimuth (direction of the horizontal component of the wavevector), is given by the vector [ W (PE - P W ) ,W (PN - P S ) ]; PN, PS, PE, PW are radar echo powers, measured in dB, in beams pointed away from vertical by the same angle towards north, south, east and west respectively, and W is the vertical wind velocity. The method is applied to Aberystwyth MST radar data, and the calculated wave vector usually, but not always, points into the low-level wind direction. The mean vertical wind at Aberystwyth, which may also be affected by tilted aspect-sensitive layers, is investigated briefly using the entire radar output 1990-1997. The mean vertical-wind profile is inconsistent with existing theories, but a new mountain-wave interpretation is proposed.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (middle atmosphere dynamics; waves and tides; instruments and techniques).

scholarly journals An explanation for some fallstreak clouds

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 711-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Worthington
Keyword(s):  
Radar Data ◽  
Atmospheric Dynamics ◽  
Atmospheric Composition ◽  
Cloud Physics ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Meteorology And Atmospheric Dynamics ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Waves And Tides ◽  
Stratospheric Clouds

Abstract. Fallstreak cirrus clouds are associated with super-saturated air, together with waves, instabilities and/or turbulence; however, their precise cause is usually uncertain. This paper uses already-published satellite, radiosonde and radar data, reanalysed to study some large fallstreaks which had been previously overlooked. The fallstreaks – up to 60 km long with a parent cloud 20 km wide – are caused by lifting and/or turbulence from a mountain wave, rather than, for example, Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. If turbulent breaking of mountain waves affects ice particle formation, this may be relevant for the seeder-feeder effect on orographic rain, and the efficiency of mountain-wave polar stratospheric clouds for ozone depletion.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (turbulence; waves and tides) – Atmospheric composition and structure (cloud physics and chemistry)

scholarly journals Inclusion of mountain wave-induced cooling for the formation of PSCs over the Antarctic Peninsula in a chemistry–climate model

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 18277-18314 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Orr ◽  
J. S. Hosking ◽  
L. Hoffmann ◽  
J. Keeble ◽  
S. M. Dean ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antarctic Peninsula ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
Temperature Fluctuations ◽  
Horizontal Resolution ◽  
Measured Temperature ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Wave Induced ◽  
The Antarctic

Abstract. An important source of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), which play a crucial role in controlling polar stratospheric ozone depletion, is from the temperature fluctuations induced by mountain waves. However, this formation mechanism is usually missing in chemistry–climate models because these temperature fluctuations are neither resolved nor parameterised. Here, we investigate the representation of stratospheric mountain wave-induced temperature fluctuations by the UK Met Office Unified Model (UM) at high and low spatial resolution against Atmospheric Infrared Sounder satellite observations for three case studies over the Antarctic Peninsula. At a high horizontal resolution (4 km) the mesoscale configuration of the UM correctly simulates the magnitude, timing, and location of the measured temperature fluctuations. By comparison, at a low horizontal resolution (2.5° × 3.75°) the climate configuration fails to resolve such disturbances. However, it is demonstrated that the temperature fluctuations computed by a mountain wave parameterisation scheme inserted into the climate configuration (which computes the temperature fluctuations due to unresolved mountain waves) are in excellent agreement with the mesoscale configuration responses. The parameterisation was subsequently used to compute the local mountain wave-induced cooling phases in the chemistry–climate configuration of the UM. This increased stratospheric cooling was passed to the PSC scheme of the chemistry–climate model, and caused a 30–50% increase in PSC surface area density over the Antarctic Peninsula compared to a 30 year control simulation.

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