Dynamics of the equatorial mesosphere: First results with a new generation partial reflection radar

Journal Article · Wed May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/91GL00768· OSTI ID:5153463

Vincent, R A; Lesicar, D ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Adelaide (Australia)

The first observations of mesospheric winds made between January-August 1990 with an MF partial reflection radar located on Christmas Island (2{degree}N, 157{degree}W) in the central Pacific are described. The mean zonal winds are in general westward, but show clear evidence for a wave-driven circulation. Power spectral studies indicate that waves are present over a wide range of periods. Ultra-fast Kelvin waves are especially evident in January-March, with peak amplitudes {approximately}20 ms{sup {minus}1}, and intrinsic phase speeds of {approximately}150 ms{sup {minus}1} indicated. The Kelvin waves are estimated to contribute an eastward acceleration of up to 10 ms{sup {minus}1} day{sup {minus}1}. Gravity wave amplitudes are also found to be almost as large as those observed at mid-latitude sites, which suggests that convection is a major source of gravity wave activity.

• OSTI ID: 5153463
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Vol. 18:5; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
MESOSPHERE
DYNAMICS
ACCELERATION
AMPLITUDES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONVECTION
DATA
EQUATOR
GRAVITY WAVES
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
RADAR
SEAS
THERMOSPHERE
VARIATIONS
WIND
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ENERGY TRANSFER
EVALUATION
HEAT TRANSFER
INFORMATION
MASS TRANSFER
MECHANICS
RANGE FINDERS
SURFACE WATERS
640200* - Atmospheric Physics