Planetary and gravity waves as seen by lidar in the middle atmosphere

Marie-Lise Chanin (1) , A. Tarrago (1) , Alain Hauchecorne (1)

1 SA - Service d'aéronomie

Middle atmosphere temperature and density were continuously surveyed by lidar for 4 yr. Results for planetary and gravity wave related effects are presented. Planetary wave induced perturbations occur in the whole middle atmosphere from October to March, coinciding with westerly winds in the stratosphere. Density and temperature profiles exhibit wave-like structures which could be due to tidal or gravity waves. Spectral Fourier analysis (spatial and temporal) reveals significant differences between summer and winter characteristics of gravity waves.

Domaines: Physique Atmosphérique et Océanique [physics.ao-ph]

Marie-Lise Chanin, A. Tarrago, Alain Hauchecorne. Planetary and gravity waves as seen by lidar in the middle atmosphere. Sixth ESA Symposium on European rocket and balloon programmes and related research. ESA SP-183, Apr 1983, Interlaken, Switzerland. pp.175. ⟨insu-03117588⟩