Global normal-mode Rossby waves observed in stratospheric ozone data

Westward-propagating Rossby normal-mode planetary waves are documented in stratospheric ozone data using Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SBUV) satellite measurements. These models are evidenced by enhanced spectral power and near-global coherence for westward-traveling zonal wave l oscillations with periods of 5-10 days. The ozone waves have maxima in high latitudes of the middle stratosphere (due to transport) and over midlatitudes in the upper stratosphere (due to photochemistry). The upper-stratospheric waves are symmetric (in phase) between hemispheres, even for modes previously identified as antisymmetric in geopotential height. This behavior is due to differing wave vertical structure in each hemisphere: the planetary temperature waves are nearly in phase in the upper stratosphere, even though the height waves are out of phase. The observed ozone waves are compared to calculations based on linear wave transport and photochemistry, incorporating derived wind and temperature fields. -from Author