The effect of breaking gravity waves on the dynamics and chemical composition of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere.

R. R. Garcia, S. Solomon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

632 Scopus citations

Abstract

The influence of breaking gravity waves on the dynamics and chemical composition of the 60- to 110-km region has been investigated with a two-dimensional dynamical/chemical model that includes a parameterization of gravity wave drag and diffusion. The momentum deposited by breaking waves at mesospheric altitudes reverses the zonal winds, drives a strong mean meridional circulation, and produces a very cold summer and warm winter mesopause, in general agreement with observations. -from Authors

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3850-3868
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Geophysical Research
Volume90
Issue numberD2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1985
Externally publishedYes

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