|
|
 |
|
|
Ann. Geophys., 18, 750-765, 2000
www.ann-geophys.net/18/750/2000/
© European Geosciences Union 2000
ST radar observations of atmospheric waves over mountainous areas: a review
J. Röttger
Max-Planck-Institut für Aeronomie, Max-Planck-Str. 2, D-37191 Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany
e-mail: roettger@linmpi.mpg.de
Abstract. Lee and mountain waves are dominant dynamic
processes in the atmosphere above mountain areas. ST VHF radars had been
intensively used to investigate these wave processes. These studies are
summarized in this work. After discussing features of long-period
quasi-stationary lee waves, attention is drawn to the frequent occurrence of
freely propagating waves of shorter periods, which seem to be more common and
characteristic for wave processes generated over mountainous areas.
Characteristics of these waves such as their relation to the topography and
background winds, the possibility of trapping by and breaking in the tropopause
region and their propagation into the stratosphere is investigated. These
orographically produced waves transport energy and momentum into the troposphere
and stratosphere, which is considered an important contribution to the kinetic
energy of the lower atmosphere. The occurrence of inertia-gravity waves in the
stratosphere had been confused with lee waves, which is discussed in conclusion.
Finally further questions on mountain and lee waves are drawn up, which remain
to be solved and where investigations with ST radars could play a fundamental
role.
Key words: Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (Middle
atmosphere dynamics; Waves and tides; Instruments and techniques)
Full Article in PDF (998 KB) |
|
|
