The Propagation of Acoustic-Gravity Waves in a Moist Atmosphere

F. Einaudi Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder 80302

Search for other papers by F. Einaudi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
and
D. P. Lalas Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich. 482O2

Search for other papers by D. P. Lalas in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Full access

Abstract

The nonlinear equations governing the propagation of acoustic-gravity waves in a moist atmosphere are derived following the theory of mixtures. The water droplets are assumed to be very small compared to the characteristic scales of the system and numerous enough to treat them as a fluid. The atmosphere is assumed saturated at all heights, and the equations are linearized about a background with no shear flow. The WKB solution reveals that the local properties of the atmosphere are considerably affected by the exchange of heat due to condensation or evaporation. In particular, for a given frequency and horizontal wavelength, the vertical wavelength increases compared to the case of a dry atmosphere. The treatment applies to all frequencies less than the audible range.

Abstract

The nonlinear equations governing the propagation of acoustic-gravity waves in a moist atmosphere are derived following the theory of mixtures. The water droplets are assumed to be very small compared to the characteristic scales of the system and numerous enough to treat them as a fluid. The atmosphere is assumed saturated at all heights, and the equations are linearized about a background with no shear flow. The WKB solution reveals that the local properties of the atmosphere are considerably affected by the exchange of heat due to condensation or evaporation. In particular, for a given frequency and horizontal wavelength, the vertical wavelength increases compared to the case of a dry atmosphere. The treatment applies to all frequencies less than the audible range.

Save