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Volume 51 Supplement 7-8

Special Issue: Dynamics and Structure of the Mesopause Region (DYSMER)

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Observation of low frequency Kelvin waves in the mesosphere

Earth, Planets and Space volume 51, pages 649–656 (1999)Cite this article

Abstract

This paper presents evidence for a quasi-stationary Kelvin wave of zonal wavenumber 1 that is forced in situ in the upper mesosphere and propagates upward from there. Although large scale quasi-stationary longitudinal variations are common in the mesopause equatorial winds, these variations often do not have a structure associated with a vertically propagating mode. However, during the periods of easterly winds that occur near the equinoxes in association with the mesopause semi-annual oscillation (MSAO), a Kelvin wave propagates away from the presumed altitude of forcing. The momentum transport by the Kelvin wave is small and does not make a significant contribution to the SAO wind evolution.

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  1. Atmospheric Chemistry Division, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, 80307, USA

    Anne K. Smith

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  1. Anne K. Smith
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Correspondence to Anne K. Smith.

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Smith, A.K. Observation of low frequency Kelvin waves in the mesosphere. Earth Planet Sp 51, 649–656 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03353222

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03353222

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