|
|
 |
|
|
Ann. Geophys., 26, 485-497, 2008
www.ann-geophys.net/26/485/2008/
© European Geosciences Union 2008
Observations of equatorial mesospheric winds over Cariri (7.4° S) by a meteor radar and comparison with existing models
R. A. Buriti1,*, W. K. Hocking2, P. P. Batista3, A. F. Medeiros1, and B. R. Clemesha3
1Departamento de Fisica, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campina Grande, PB, 58109-970, Brazil
2Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
3Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil
*now at: Department of Physics and Astronomy, UWO, London, Canada
Abstract. Mesospheric winds observed with a meteor radar at Cariri (7.4° S,
36.5° W), Brazil, during the period of July 2004 to June 2005, show a clear
semiannual oscillation known as the Mesospheric Semiannual Oscillation
(MSAO), which maximizes in the zonal mean wind mainly at 82 km, with
amplitude decreasing with height. Maximum westward winds for the MSAO
occurred in March and September. The meridional wind, on the other hand,
presented a clear annual variation maximizing in December. On average, the
amplitude of the meridional MSAO was smaller than the zonal MSAO component.
Comparison with models shows on occasions that there are significant
differences between the observed winds and the CIRA (Cospar International
Reference Atmosphere) and HWM93 (Horizontal Wind Model) models. In addition,
diurnal and semidiurnal parameters were calculated and compared to the GSWM
model. Other results observed during one year of data are presented in this
work.
Full Article in PDF (831 KB) |
|
|
