Observations of Height-dependent Pressure-Perturbation Structure of a Strong Mesoscale Gravity Wave

David O'C. Starr NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Laboratory for Atmospheres, Greenbelt, Maryland

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C. Laurence Korb NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Laboratory for Atmospheres, Greenbelt, Maryland

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Geary K. Schwemmer NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Laboratory for Atmospheres, Greenbelt, Maryland

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Chi Y. Weng Science Systems and Applications Inc., Seabrook, Maryland

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Abstract

Airborne observations using a downward-looking, dual-frequency, near-infrared, differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system provide the first measurements of the height-dependent pressure-perturbation field associated with a strong mesoscale gravity wave. A pressure-perturbation amplitude of 3.5 mb was measured within the lowest 1.6 km of the atmosphere over a 52-km flight line. Corresponding vertical displacements of 250–500 m were inferred from lidar-observed displacement of aerosol layers. Accounting for probable wave orientation, a horizontal wavelength of about 40 km was estimated. Satellite observations reveal wave structure of a comparable scale in concurrent cirrus cloud fields over an extended area. Smaller-scale waves were also observed. Local meteorological soundings are analyzed to confirm the existence of a suitable wave duct. Potential wave-generation mechanisms are examined and discussed. The large pressure-perturbation wave is attributed to rapid amplification or possible wave breaking of a gravity wave as it propagated offshore and interacted with a very stable marine boundary layer capped by a strong shear layer.

Abstract

Airborne observations using a downward-looking, dual-frequency, near-infrared, differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system provide the first measurements of the height-dependent pressure-perturbation field associated with a strong mesoscale gravity wave. A pressure-perturbation amplitude of 3.5 mb was measured within the lowest 1.6 km of the atmosphere over a 52-km flight line. Corresponding vertical displacements of 250–500 m were inferred from lidar-observed displacement of aerosol layers. Accounting for probable wave orientation, a horizontal wavelength of about 40 km was estimated. Satellite observations reveal wave structure of a comparable scale in concurrent cirrus cloud fields over an extended area. Smaller-scale waves were also observed. Local meteorological soundings are analyzed to confirm the existence of a suitable wave duct. Potential wave-generation mechanisms are examined and discussed. The large pressure-perturbation wave is attributed to rapid amplification or possible wave breaking of a gravity wave as it propagated offshore and interacted with a very stable marine boundary layer capped by a strong shear layer.

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