Numerical simulation of the influence of stationary mesoscale orographic waves on the meridional circulation and ozone fluxes in the middle atmosphere

The authors’ parameterization of the dynamic and thermal action of stationary orographic waves generated by the Earth’s surface relief is included into the model of general circulation of the middle and upper atmosphere. Numerical simulation of the general circulation in the troposphere and stratosphere was performed and the influence of stationary orographic waves propagating upward from the Earth’s surface on the meridional and vertical velocity was studied. It is shown that the allowance for the dynamic and thermal action of these waves in the numerical model leads to changes by up to 20–30% in the meridional circulation and ozone fluxes associated with it at heights of the ozone layer maximum.     

Planetary Boundary Layer Flows in the Atmosphere and the Ocean at the Equator

—The boundary layer flows created by the frictional dissipation of the wind speed at the surface in the atmosphere and by surface wind stress in the ocean at the equator and in the equatorial region, are obtained by taking the influence of the surface friction on the zonal velocity as being balanced by vertical transport for the long-term mean flow and by a corresponding time variation for time-dependent flow fields. Solutions are expressed in terms of the velocities in zonal and vertical directions and the divergence of the horizontal current in the two media. It is found that under the ever present easterly flow in the lower atmosphere, the boundary layer flow in the atmosphere is convergence and ascending motion in the lower troposphere, and divergence at the surface and uplift in ocean, and in reverse directions for the westerly flow. Similar results are obtained for time-dependent wind fields and they give way to the steady asymptotic solutions when the period of the variation exceeds 10 months.     

Impact of a simple parameterization of convective gravity-wave drag in a stratosphere-troposphere general circulation model and its sensitivity to vertical resolution

Systematic westerly biases in the southern hemisphere wintertime flow and easterly equatorial biases are experienced in the Météo-France climate model. These biases are found to be much reduced when a simple parameterization is introduced to take into account the vertical momentum transfer through the gravity waves excited by deep convection. These waves are quasi-stationary in the frame of reference moving with convection and they propagate vertically to higher levels in the atmosphere, where they may exert a significant deceleration of the mean flow at levels where dissipation occurs. Sixty-day experiments have been performed from a multiyear simulation with the standard 31 levels for a summer and a winter month, and with a T42 horizontal resolution. The impact of this parameterization on the integration of the model is found to be generally positive, with a significant deceleration in the westerly stratospheric jet and with a reduction of the easterly equatorial bias. The sensitivity of the Météo-France climate model to vertical resolution is also investigated by increasing the number of vertical levels, without moving the top of the model. The vertical resolution is increased up to 41 levels, using two kinds of level distribution. For the first, the increase in vertical resolution concerns especially the troposphere (with 22 levels in the troposphere), and the second treats the whole atmosphere in a homogeneous way (with 15 levels in the troposphere); the standard version of 31 levels has 10 levels in the troposphere. A comparison is made between the dynamical aspects of the simulations. The zonal wind and precipitation are presented and compared for each resolution. A positive impact is found with the finer tropospheric resolution on the precipitation in the mid-latitudes and on the westerly stratospheric jet, but the general impact on the model climate is weak, the physical parameterizations used appear to be mostly independent to the vertical resolution.     

Stratosphere–troposphere interaction associated with biennial oscillation of Indian summer monsoon

Quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) is a predominant phenomenon in the tropical stratosphere and troposphere. The possible interactions between the stratospheric QBO and tropospheric biennial oscillation (TBO) over the Indian monsoon region as well as the equatorial region is investigated using the zonal wind data of 23 vertical levels (1000–1 hpa) from 1960–2002. The structure of lower stratosphere and troposphere are entirely different over the equator and India. In biennial scales, both the stratosphere and troposphere over the Indian region are closely related and winter season QBO is a good predictor of Indian summer monsoon rainfall.     

Onset of an energy cascade and nonperiodic behaviour in the nonlinear propagation of MHD waves in the solar atmosphere

Abstract

We study the nonlinear stability of MHD waves propagating in a two-dimensional, compressible, highly magnetized, viscous plasma. These waves are driven by a weak, shear body force which could be imposed by large scale internal fluctuations present in the solar atmosphere.

The effects of anisotropic viscosity (leading to a cubic damping) and of the nonlinear coupling of the Alfven and the magnetoacoustic waves are analysed using Galerkin and multiple-scale analysis: the MHD equations are reduced to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations which is then suitably truncated to give a model dynamical system, representing the interaction of two complex Galerkin modes.

For propagation oblique to the background magnetic field, analytical integration shows that the low-wavenumber mode is physically unstable. For propagation parallel to the background magnetic field the high-wavenumber wave can undergo saddlenode bifurcations, in way that is similar to the van der Pol oscillator; these bifurcations lead to the appearance of a hysteresis cycle.

A numerical integration of the dynamical system shows that a sequence of Hopf bifurcations takes place as the Reynolds number is increased, up to the onset of nonperiodic behaviour. It also shows that energy can be transferred from the low- wavenumber to the high-wavenumber mode.     

Simulation of slow atmospheric turbulent flows induced by lithospheric sources

The paper presents the results of numerical experiments with a simplified nonstationary model of turbulent flow of viscous compressible gas for two classes of flows comparable in scale with the height of the troposphere. In the first experiment, the possibility for light tropospheric gases to reach the tropopause during their intense release from the lithosphere is explored on the example of methane, and the gas volumes required for this are estimated. In the second experiment, interaction of the wind flow with orographic heterogeneities is studied, and the development of the intense eddy process is demonstrated.     

Meteorological conditions for the persistent severe fog and haze event over eastern China in January 2013

In January 2013,a severe fog and haze event(FHE)of strong intensity,long duration,and extensive coverage occurred in eastern China.The present study investigates meteorological conditions for this FHE by diagnosing both its atmospheric background fields and daily evolution in January 2013.The results show that a weak East Asian winter monsoon existed in January2013.Over eastern China,the anomalous southerly winds in the middle and lower troposphere are favorable for more water vapor transported to eastern China.An anomalous high at 500 hPa suppresses convection.The weakened surface winds are favorable for the fog and haze concentrating in eastern China.The reduction of the vertical shear of horizontal winds weakens the synoptic disturbances and vertical mixing of atmosphere.The anomalous inversion in near-surface increases the stability of surface air.All these meteorological background fields in January 2013 were conducive to the maintenance and development of fog and haze over eastern China.The diagnosis of the daily evolution of the FHE shows that the surface wind velocity and the vertical shear of horizontal winds in the middle and lower troposphere can exert dynamic effects on fog and haze.The larger(smaller)they are,the weaker(stronger)the fog and haze are.The thermodynamic effects include stratification instability in middle and lower troposphere and the inversion and dew-point deficit in near-surface.The larger(smaller)the stratification instability and the inversion are,the stronger(weaker)the fog and haze are.Meanwhile,the smaller(larger)the dewpoint deficit is,the stronger(weaker)the fog and haze are.Based on the meteorological factors,a multi-variate linear regression model is set up.The model results show that the dynamic and thermodynamic effects on the variance of the fog and haze evolution are almost the same.The contribution of the meteorological factors to the variance of the daily fog and haze evolution reaches 0.68,which explains more than 2/3 of the variance.     

On the Behavior of the Stable Boundary Layer and the Role of Initial Conditions

Previous studies of the stable atmospheric boundary layer using techniques of nonlinear dynamical systems (MCNIDER et al., 1995) have shown that the equations support multiple solutions in certain parameter spaces. When geostrophic speed is used as a bifurcation parameter, two stable equilibria are found—a warm solution corresponding to the high-wind regime where the surface layer of the atmosphere stays coupled to the outer layer, and a cold solution corresponding to the low-wind, decoupled case. Between the stable equilibria is an unstable region where multiple solutions exist. The bifurcation diagram is a classic S shape with the foldback region showing the multiple solutions. These studies were carried out using a simple two-layer model of the atmosphere with a fairly complete surface energy budget. This allowed the dynamical analysis to be carried out on a coupled set of four ordinary differential equations. The present paper extends this work by examining additional bifurcation parameters and, more importantly, analyzing a set of partial differential equations with full vertical dependence. Simple mathematical representations of classical problems in dynamical analysis often exhibit interesting behavior, such as multiple solutions, that is not retained in the behavior of more complete representations. In the present case the S-shaped bifurcation diagram remains with only slight variations from the two-layer model. For the parameter space in the foldback region, the evolution of the boundary layer may be dramatically affected by the initial conditions at sunset. An eigenvalue analysis carried out to determine whether the system might support pure limit-cycle behavior showed that purely complex eigenvalues are not found. Thus, any cyclic behavior is likely to be transient.     

Self-organization of internal gravity wave structures in an inhomogeneous ionosphere: 1. Nonlinear model dynamic equations

A corresponding model system of nonlinear dynamic equations for the lower ionosphere has been constructed in order to study the generation and further nonlinear dynamics of internal gravity wave (IGW) structures in a dissipative ionosphere in the presence of a nonuniform zonal wind (shear flow). The criterion for the development of the IGW shear instability in the ionosphere has been obtained.     

Self-organization of IGW structures in an inhomogeneous ionosphere: 2. Nonlinear vortex structures

The generation and further nonlinear dynamics of internal gravity wave (IGW) structures in a dissipative ionosphere in the presence of an inhomogeneous zonal wind (shear flow) have been studied. The effectiveness of the IGW amplification mechanism during the interaction with an inhomogeneous zonal wind is analyzed based on the corresponding model system of nonlinear dynamic equations constructed in (Aburjania et al., 2013). It has been indicated that IGWs effectively obtain the shear flow energy at the initial linear evolution stage and substantially (by an order of magnitude) increase their amplitude and, correspondingly, energy. The nonlinear self-localization mechanism starts operating with increasing amplitude, and the process terminates with the self-organization of nonlinear solitary strongly localized vortex structures. A new degree of system freedom and the disturbance evolution trend in a medium with a shear flow appear in such a way. Nonlinear IGW structures can be a purely monopoly vortex, a transverse vortex chain, and/or a longitudinal vortex path against the background of an inhomogeneous zonal wind, depending on the shear flow velocity profile. The accumulation of such vortices in the ionospheric medium can generate a strongly turbulent state.     

On the maintenance of the axisymmetric part of the flow in the atmosphere

Summary The maintenance of the axisymmetric component of the flow in the atmosphere is investigated by means of a steady-state, quasi-geostrophic formulation of the meteorological equations. It is shown that the meridional variations in the time-averaged axisymmetric variables can be expressed as the sum of three contributions, one being due to the eddy heat transport, another to the eddy momentum transport, and a third to the convective-radiative equilibrium temperature which enters the problem through the specification of a Newtonian form of diabatic heating. The contributions by the large scale eddies are evaluated through the use of observed values for the eddy heat and momentum transports.The contributions from each of the three forcing mechanisms to the temperature and zonal wind fields are invstigated individually and found to be of about equal importance. The sum of the three contributions are also presented for the temperature, the zonal wind, the stream function associated with the mean meridional circulation and the corresponding vertical motion. Although the results fail to reproduce the main observed features of the lower stratosphere, they are found to be in good agreement with observations in the middle latitude troposphere. At any pressure level, for example, the computed mean zonal wind has a jet-like profile and the axis of the jet is found to slope to the south with height, as observed in the atmosphere.Based in part on a thesis submitted by the first author as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree at the University of Michigan. — Publication No. 194 from the Department of Meteorology and Oceanography, The University of Michigan.     

Variations in zonal mean and planetary wave properties of the stratosphere and links with the troposphere

Zonal mean data and amplitudes and phases of planetary zonal waves were derived from daily hemispheric maps for tropospheric and stratospheric levels, for the four winters 1975–76 to 1978–79. Important year-to-year fluctuation in zonal means and wave activity are described, most notable of which are the changes from 1975–76 to 1976–77. Comparison of the relative strengths of the stratospheric and tropospheric jet streams shows a strong negative correlation (–0.8) between monthly mean zonal stratospheric winds (at 10 mb, 65°N) and zonal tropospheric winds (at 200 mb, 32.5°N, in the jet core) and a positive correlation (+0.7) between the stratospheric 10 mb winds and the tropospheric 200 mb winds at 65°N. Parameters correlated were the departures from the climatological mean zonal winds. The structure of correlation between wave amplitudes in the same wave number (1, 2) at different altitudes and between wave numbers 1 and 2 is investigated. We find a high correlation (+0.93) between wave 1 in the stratosphere (10 mb height) and wave 2 (height) in the troposphere at 65°N; but only a weak correlation (+0.2) between wave 1 amplitudes in the stratosphere and troposphere. These results suggest the possible importance of wave-wave interactions in processes linking the stratosphere and troposphere. The wave correlations presented here are based on comparisons of monthly means of daily amplitudes; the correlation structure in individual wave developments may differ, in view of the likelihood of altitudinal lags in wave amplification.     

Amplification and energy transformation of the magnetized Rossby waves in the ionosphere with an inhomogeneous zonal wind. I. A theory

The generation and further dynamics of the planetary magnetized Rossby waves and inertial waves in a dissipative ionosphere in the presence of a smooth inhomogeneous zonal wind (shear flow) have been studied. The magnetized Rossby waves are caused by the interaction with the spatially inhomogeneous geomagnetic field and represent the ionospheric manifestations of usual tropospheric Rossby waves. The effective linear mechanism of amplification and mutual transformation of the Rossby and inertial waves has been revealed. For shear flows, the operators of linear problems are not self-adjoint, and the corresponding eigenfunctions are non-orthogonal; therefore, a canonical modal approach is of little use in studying such motions. It becomes necessary to apply the so-called nonmodal mathematical analysis, which has actively been developed for the last years. The nonmodal approach makes it possible to reveal that the transformation of wave-like disturbances in shear flows is caused by the nonorthogonality of eigenfunctions in the problem of linear dynamics. Thus, there appear a new degree of the system freedom and a new way of disturbance evolution in the medium.     

Inertia-gravity waves in the troposphere and lower stratosphere associated with a jet stream exit region

Radar measurements at Aberystwyth (52.4°N, 4.1°W) of winds at tropospheric and lower stratospheric heights are shown for 12–13 March 1994 in a region of highly curved flow, downstream of the jet maximum. The perturbations of horizontal velocity have comparable amplitudes in the troposphere and lower stratosphere with downward and upward phase propagation, respectively, in these two height regions. The sense of rotation with increasing height in hodographs of horizontal perturbation velocity derived for hourly intervals show downwards propagation of energy in the troposphere and upward propagation in the lower stratosphere with vertical wavelengths of 1.7 to 2.3 km. The results indicate inertia-gravity waves propagating in a direction similar to that of the jet stream but at smaller velocities. Some of the features observed contrast with those of previous observations of inertia-gravity waves propagating transverse to the jet stream. The interpretation of the hodographs to derive wave parameters has taken account of the vertical shear of the background wind transverse to the direction of wave propagation.     

Correlations between tropospheric and ionospheric parameters

Summary This paper discusses the general aspects of troposphere-ionosphere relationships and a suggested mechanism of a possible coupling between lower and upper atmosphere. The presentation includes results of a correlation analysis surface pressure and electron density of the ionosphericF2 layer for Washington, D.C., covering a time interval of 23 months. The correlation is significant for only three months and the sign of the correlation is not consistent. The three significant correlations between surface pressure andF2 electron density occur at times of an «index cycle»; i.e., the periodic fluctuations in the zonal circulation of the atmosphere and for a month of heavy hurricane activity. The review of correlations obtained by other authors also indicates that their significant correlations occur at times when intensive changes in the tropospheric circulation occur, especially in winter and spring (the time favored by index cycles) and at the beginning and retreat of the summer monsoon in India. The variable sign of correlation between surface pressure and ionospheric characteristics is considered to be the result of the ambiguity of surface pressure as an indicator for dynamic changes in the lower atmosphere which may possibly initiate certain changes in the upper atmosphere. It is speculated that the observed correlations are the effect of upward propagation of strong disturbances from the troposphere to the ionosphere. At the present time, however, no definite conclusion can be drawn as to the reality of the suggested troposphere-ionosphere relationships.     

Numerical model for quantitative precipitation forecasting

Summary A numerical model for the quantitative precipitation forecasting has been formulated. In this model precipitation is computed as a function of the vertical velocity and humidity distribution in the atmosphere. The orographic influence on the vertical velocity was taken into consideration. Further, the relation between vertical velocity and static stability of the atmosphere has been considered and, as an important factor in the condensation process, was introduced into the equation of the model. This numerical model for the precipitation forecasting has been applied in the North Adriactic Sea region, which is characterized by a strong vertical gradient of the specific humidity and pronounced orographic influence. The results achieved show that this model could successfully be used as an objective method in the routine forecasting of the amount of precipitation.     

Major and minor stratospheric warmings and their interactions on the troposphere

Analyses of evolutions of the kinetic and thermal energy associated with the major and minor stratospheric warmings in the winters of 1976–77 and 1975–76 respectively indicate that the predominant ultra-long waves in the stratosphere oscillated at periods of 10–20 days, whereas in the troposphere the predominant long waves oscillated at periods of 8 to 12 days. These tropospheric long waves are almost out-of-phase with the stratospheric ultra-long waves for the minor warming, but in-phase for the major warming. The kinetic energy of the zonal mean flow in the stratosphere for the minor warming is much greater than that for the major warming, indicating that the occurrence of a major warming depends on the magnitude of the kinetic energy of the zonal mean flow relative to that of the meridional convergence of the poleward flux of sensible heat. In both the major and minor warmings, most of the stratospheric eddy kinetic energy is contained in waves of wavenumbers 1 and 2, whereas the stratospheric available potential energy is primarily contained in waves of wavenumber 1. The kinetic energy associated with waves of wavenumber 1 appeared to be 180° out-of-phase with those of wavenumber 2, indicating that nonlinear transfer of kinetic energy occurred between waves of wavenumbers 1 and 2. The occurrences of wind reversals were accompanied by decouplings of the stratospheric and tropospheric motions, and blockings in the troposphere.     

Results of the application of tropospheric corrections from different troposphere models for precise GPS rapid static positioning

In many surveying applications, determination of accurate heights is of significant interest. The delay caused by the neutral atmosphere is one of the main factors limiting the accuracy of GPS positioning and affecting mainly the height coordinate component rather than horizontal ones. Estimation of the zenith total delay is a commonly used technique for accounting for the tropospheric delay in static positioning. However, in the rapid static positioning mode the estimation of the zenith total delay may fail, since for its reliable estimation longer observing sessions are required. In this paper, several troposphere modeling techniques were applied and tested with three processing scenarios: a single baseline solution with various height differences and a multi-baseline solution. In specific, we introduced external zenith total delays obtained from Modified Hopfield troposphere model with standard atmosphere parameters, UNB3m model, COAMPS numerical weather prediction model and zenith total delays interpolated from a reference network solution. The best results were obtained when tropospheric delays derived from the reference network were applied.     

Further studies of the atmospheric temperature change produced by the Mt. Agung volcanic eruption in 1963

Monthly mean geopotential data at five tropical stations for the period 1959–1969 have been used to estimate the vertical distribution of tropospheric temperature change associated with the Mt. Agung volcanic eruption in March 1963. The estimate is that tropospheric temperature decreased by up to 1K with the maximum cooling occurring between August 1964 and August 1965, it is complicated by sea surface temperature changes. It is suggested that the change occurs either directly, by absorption of nearinfrared radiation by the stratospheric aerosol leading to less gaseous absorption and less heating in the troposphere, or indirectly by absorption of solar radiation and a concomitant decrease in evaporation and latent heat release in the troposphere.