Ray Methods for Atmospheric Gravity Waves

Investigator(s):

Dave Broutman (PI)

Sponsor:

Computational Physics Inc, VA 22151 7037647501

Start Date/Expiration Date

2005-04-15 to 2006-03-31 (amended 2005-04-05)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$129,922

Abstract: The source of gravity waves in the region 80km - 100 km is from the troposphere and stratosphere, and the ability to divine common sources can be achieved by ray-tracing techniques. Ray tracing methods are here enhanced by a three-fold research effort that first addresses the traditional limitation of application to slowly varying gravity waves. Our approach includes treatment of rapidly varying waves generated by tropospheric convection. The second task of the research is reconciliation of the classical dispersion formalism in both Eularian (ground-based) and Lagrangian (with the wave) reference frames, which to date appear to produce differing ray-trace results. Finally, this effort expands common ray trace methods to include wave propagation through a realistic, three-dimensional atmosphere rather than the steady-state approximations used to date.

NSF Org:

ATM - Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Award Number:

0448888

Award Instrument:

Continuing grant

Program Manager:

Robert B. Kerr
ATM Division of Atmospheric Sciences
GEO Directorate for Geosciences

NSF Program(s):

AERONOMY

Field Application(s):

Space

Program Reference Code(s):

UNASSIGNED, 0000

Program Element Code(s):

1521