Abstract
Lateral momentum transport by gravity waves is investigated within the framework of a linear steady-state model of inviscid, nonrotating flow over and around orography. Obstacles protruding laterally from massifs are considered as well as more conventional shallow mountains. For flow around obstacles, an analytic solution to the three-dimensional gravity wave equations with a lateral radiation condition is derived for constant zonal mean flow and stability. Laterally propagating gravity waves transport momentum toward the mountain if a rigid lid is imposed. Downward transports are important as well if the lid is removed. These results are compared to those obtained on the basis of the shallow mountain approximation.
Corresponding author address: Dr. Joseph Egger, Meteorologisches Institut, Universität München, Theresienstraße 37, 80333 München, Germany.
Email: J.Egger@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
