HR: 14:35h
AN: SA32A-04    [PDF]
TI: Lidar Observations of Instabilities and Gravity Wave Dissipation in the Mesopause Region at Maui, Hawaii.
AU: * Liu, A Z
EM: liuzr@uiuc.edu
AF: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1308 W Main, Urbana, IL 61801 United States
AU: Li, F
EM: fengli@uiuc.edu
AF: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1308 W Main, Urbana, IL 61801 United States
AU: Swenson, G
EM: swenson1@uiuc.edu
AF: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1308 W Main, Urbana, IL 61801 United States
AB: Gravity wave dissipation in the mesopause region is closely related to stabilities of the atmosphere. The relations between the convective and dynamic instabilities and gravity wave dissipation are investigated using measurements made from a high-resolution Na wind/temperature lidar at Maui, HI (20.7 N, 156.3 W). It is found that the stabilities are modulated by the strong tidal perturbations in this low latitude site. Unstable layers appear as gravity waves pass through low stability regions that are formed by tides. Strong wind shear tends to occur in regions with high convective stability. There is also a clear correlation between the stabilities and gravity wave energy. The implications of these results on gravity wave dissipation and its impact on the mean atmosphere will be discussed.
DE: 3334 Middle atmosphere dynamics (0341, 0342)
DE: 3360 Remote sensing
DE: 3379 Turbulence
DE: 3384 Waves and tides
SC: SPA - Aeronomy [SA]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting