scholarly journals Interannual variability in the gravity wave drag – vertical coupling and possible climate links

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 647-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Šácha ◽  
Jiri Miksovsky ◽  
Petr Pisoft
Keyword(s):  
Interannual Variability ◽  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Model Simulation ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Quasi Biennial Oscillation ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Climate Oscillations

Abstract. Gravity wave drag (GWD) is an important driver of the middle atmospheric dynamics. However, there are almost no observational constraints on its strength and distribution (especially horizontal). In this study we analyze orographic GWD (OGWD) output from Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model simulation with specified dynamics (CMAM-sd) to illustrate the interannual variability in the OGWD distribution at particular pressure levels in the stratosphere and its relation to major climate oscillations. We have found significant changes in the OGWD distribution and strength depending on the phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation. The OGWD variability is shown to be induced by lower-tropospheric wind variations to a large extent, and there is also significant variability detected in near-surface momentum fluxes. We argue that the orographic gravity waves (OGWs) and gravity waves (GWs) in general can be a quick mediator of the tropospheric variability into the stratosphere as the modifications of the OGWD distribution can result in different impacts on the stratospheric dynamics during different phases of the studied climate oscillations.

scholarly journals Interannual variability of the gravity wave drag – vertical coupling and possible climate links

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Sacha ◽  
Jiri Miksovsky ◽  
Petr Pisoft
Keyword(s):  
Interannual Variability ◽  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Model Simulation ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Quasi Biennial Oscillation ◽  
Climate Oscillations ◽  
Vertical Coupling ◽  
The North

Abstract. Gravity wave drag (GWD) is an important driver of the middle atmospheric dynamics. However, there are almost no observational constraints on its strength and distribution (especially horizontal). In this study we analyze orographic GWD (OGWD) output from Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model simulation with specified dynamics (CMAM-sd) to illustrate an interannual variability of the OGWD distribution at particular pressure levels in the stratosphere and its relation to major climate oscillations. We have found significant changes of the OGWD distribution and strength depending on the phase of the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO), Quasi Biennial oscillation (QBO) and El Niño-Southern oscillation (ENSO). The OGWD variability is shown to be induced by lower tropospheric behavior by a large part. We argue that the orographic gravity waves (OGWs) and GWs in general can be a quick mediator of the tropospheric variability into the stratosphere as they have a modified impact on the stratospheric dynamics during different phases of the studied climate oscillations due to the differences in the OGWD distribution.

Application of the IDEMIX Concept for Internal Gravity Waves in the Atmosphere

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (10) ◽  
pp. 3601-3618
Author(s):  
B. Quinn ◽  
C. Eden ◽  
D. Olbers
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Wave Field ◽  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Momentum Flux ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Internal Gravity Waves ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
The Mean

AbstractThe model Internal Wave Dissipation, Energy and Mixing (IDEMIX) presents a novel way of parameterizing internal gravity waves in the atmosphere. IDEMIX is based on the spectral energy balance of the wave field and has previously been successfully developed as a model for diapycnal diffusivity, induced by internal gravity wave breaking in oceans. Applied here for the first time to atmospheric gravity waves, integration of the energy balance equation for a continuous wave field of a given spectrum, results in prognostic equations for the energy density of eastward and westward gravity waves. It includes their interaction with the mean flow, allowing for an evolving and local description of momentum flux and gravity wave drag. A saturation mechanism maintains the wave field within convective stability limits, and a closure for critical-layer effects controls how much wave flux propagates from the troposphere into the middle atmosphere. Offline comparisons to a traditional parameterization reveal increases in the wave momentum flux in the middle atmosphere due to the mean-flow interaction, resulting in a greater gravity wave drag at lower altitudes. Preliminary validation against observational data show good agreement with momentum fluxes.

scholarly journals The Seasonal Cycle of Gravity Wave Drag in the Middle Atmosphere

2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 4664-4679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Pulido ◽  
John Thuburn
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Seasonal Cycle ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
Quasi Biennial Oscillation ◽  
Summer Hemisphere ◽  
Jet Streaks ◽  
Biennial Oscillation

Abstract Using a variational technique, middle atmosphere gravity wave drag (GWD) is estimated from Met Office middle atmosphere analyses for the year 2002. The technique employs an adjoint model of a middle atmosphere dynamical model to minimize a cost function that measures the differences between the model state and observations. The control variables are solely the horizontal components of GWD; therefore, the minimization determines the optimal estimate of the drag. For each month, Met Office analyses are taken as the initial condition for the first day of the month, and also as observations for each successive day. In this way a three-dimensional GWD field is obtained for the entire year with a temporal resolution of 1 day. GWD shows a pronounced seasonal cycle. During solstices, there are deceleration regions of the polar jet centered at about 63° latitude in the winter hemisphere, with a peak of 49 m s−1 day−1 at 0.24 hPa in the Southern Hemisphere; the summer hemisphere also shows a deceleration region but much weaker, with a peak of 24 m s−1 day−1 centered at 45° latitude and 0.6 hPa. During equinoxes GWD is weak and exhibits a smooth transition between the winter and summer situation. The height and latitude of the deceleration center in both winter and summer hemispheres appear to be constant. Important longitudinal dependencies in GWD are found that are related to planetary wave activity; GWD intensifies in the exit region of jet streaks. In the lower tropical stratosphere, the estimated GWD shows a westward GWD descending together with the westward phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation. Above, GWD exhibits a semiannual pattern that is approximately out of phase with the semiannual oscillation in the zonal wind. Furthermore, a descending GWD pattern is found at those heights, similar in magnitude and sign to that in the lower stratosphere.

scholarly journals Climatology and Forcing of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation in the MAECHAM5 Model

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (16) ◽  
pp. 3882-3901 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Giorgetta ◽  
E. Manzini ◽  
E. Roeckner ◽  
M. Esch ◽  
L. Bengtsson
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Zonal Wind ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Quasi Biennial Oscillation ◽  
Biennial Oscillation

Abstract The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in the equatorial zonal wind is an outstanding phenomenon of the atmosphere. The QBO is driven by a broad spectrum of waves excited in the tropical troposphere and modulates transport and mixing of chemical compounds in the whole middle atmosphere. Therefore, the simulation of the QBO in general circulation models and chemistry climate models is an important issue. Here, aspects of the climatology and forcing of a spontaneously occurring QBO in a middle-atmosphere model are evaluated, and its influence on the climate and variability of the tropical middle atmosphere is investigated. Westerly and easterly phases are considered separately, and 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) data are used as a reference where appropriate. It is found that the simulated QBO is realistic in many details. Resolved large-scale waves are particularly important for the westerly phase, while parameterized gravity wave drag is more important for the easterly phase. Advective zonal wind tendencies are important for asymmetries between westerly and easterly phases, as found for the suppression of the easterly phase downward propagation. The simulation of the QBO improves the tropical upwelling and the atmospheric tape recorder compared to a model without a QBO. The semiannual oscillation is simulated realistically only if the QBO is represented. In sensitivity tests, it is found that the simulated QBO is strongly sensitive to changes in the gravity wave sources. The sensitivity to the tested range of horizontal resolutions is small. The stratospheric vertical resolution must be better than 1 km to simulate a realistic QBO.

Improved Middle Atmosphere Climate and Forecasts in the ECMWF Model through a Nonorographic Gravity Wave Drag Parameterization

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (22) ◽  
pp. 5905-5926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Orr ◽  
Peter Bechtold ◽  
John Scinocca ◽  
Manfred Ern ◽  
Marta Janiskova
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Forecast Error ◽  
Wave Structure ◽  
Stationary Wave ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Horizontal Distribution ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Temperature Structure

Abstract In model cycle 35r3 (Cy35r3) of the ECMWF Integrated Forecast System (IFS), the momentum deposition from small-scale nonorographic gravity waves is parameterized by the Scinocca scheme, which uses hydrostatic nonrotational wave dynamics to describe the vertical evolution of a broad, constant, and isotropic spectrum of gravity waves emanating from the troposphere. The Cy35r3 middle atmosphere climate shows the following: (i) an improved representation of the zonal-mean circulation and temperature structure; (ii) a realistic parameterized gravity wave drag; (iii) a reasonable stationary planetary wave structure and stationary wave driving in July and an underestimate of the generation of stationary wave activity in the troposphere and stationary wave driving in January; (iv) an improved representation of the tropical variability of the stratospheric circulation, although the westerly phase of the semiannual oscillation is missing; and (v) a realistic horizontal distribution of momentum flux in the stratosphere. By contrast, the middle atmosphere climate is much too close to radiative equilibrium when the Scinocca scheme is replaced by Rayleigh friction, which was the standard method of parameterizing the effects of nonorographic gravity waves in the IFS prior to Cy35r3. Finally, there is a reduction in Cy35r3 short-range high-resolution forecast error in the upper stratosphere.

scholarly journals Constraints on Wave Drag Parameterization Schemes for Simulating the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation. Part II: Combined Effects of Gravity Waves and Equatorial Planetary Waves

2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (12) ◽  
pp. 4196-4205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy J. Campbell ◽  
Theodore G. Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Planetary Wave ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Planetary Waves ◽  
Small Contribution ◽  
Quasi Biennial Oscillation ◽  
Biennial Oscillation

Abstract This study examines the effect of combining equatorial planetary wave drag and gravity wave drag in a one-dimensional zonal mean model of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). Several different combinations of planetary wave and gravity wave drag schemes are considered in the investigations, with the aim being to assess which aspects of the different schemes affect the nature of the modeled QBO. Results show that it is possible to generate a realistic-looking QBO with various combinations of drag from the two types of waves, but there are some constraints on the wave input spectra and amplitudes. For example, if the phase speeds of the gravity waves in the input spectrum are large relative to those of the equatorial planetary waves, critical level absorption of the equatorial planetary waves may occur. The resulting mean-wind oscillation, in that case, is driven almost exclusively by the gravity wave drag, with only a small contribution from the planetary waves at low levels. With an appropriate choice of wave input parameters, it is possible to obtain a QBO with a realistic period and to which both types of waves contribute. This is the regime in which the terrestrial QBO appears to reside. There may also be constraints on the initial strength of the wind shear, and these are similar to the constraints that apply when gravity wave drag is used without any planetary wave drag. In recent years, it has been observed that, in order to simulate the QBO accurately, general circulation models require parameterized gravity wave drag, in addition to the drag from resolved planetary-scale waves, and that even if the planetary wave amplitudes are incorrect, the gravity wave drag can be adjusted to compensate. This study provides a basis for knowing that such a compensation is possible.

scholarly journals Dynamical Control of the Mesosphere by Orographic and Nonorographic Gravity Wave Drag during the Extended Northern Winters of 2006 and 2009

2013 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 2152-2169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles McLandress ◽  
John F. Scinocca ◽  
Theodore G. Shepherd ◽  
M. Catherine Reader ◽  
Gloria L. Manney
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Reanalysis Data ◽  
Zonal Winds ◽  
Mesospheric Temperature ◽  
Mean Circulation ◽  
Dynamical Control ◽  
Good Agreement

Abstract A version of the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (CMAM) that is nudged toward reanalysis data up to 1 hPa is used to examine the impacts of parameterized orographic and nonorographic gravity wave drag (OGWD and NGWD) on the zonal-mean circulation of the mesosphere during the extended northern winters of 2006 and 2009 when there were two large stratospheric sudden warmings. The simulations are compared to Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) observations of mesospheric temperature and carbon monoxide (CO) and derived zonal winds. The control simulation, which uses both OGWD and NGWD, is shown to be in good agreement with MLS. The impacts of OGWD and NGWD are assessed using simulations in which those sources of wave drag are removed. In the absence of OGWD the mesospheric zonal winds in the months preceding the warmings are too strong, causing increased mesospheric NGWD, which drives excessive downwelling, resulting in overly large lower-mesospheric values of CO prior to the warming. NGWD is found to be most important following the warmings when the underlying westerlies are too weak to allow much vertical propagation of the orographic gravity waves to the mesosphere. NGWD is primarily responsible for driving the circulation that results in the descent of CO from the thermosphere following the warmings. Zonal-mean mesospheric winds and temperatures in all simulations are shown to be strongly constrained by (i.e., slaved to) the stratosphere. Finally, it is demonstrated that the responses to OGWD and NGWD are nonadditive because of their dependence and influence on the background winds and temperatures.

scholarly journals Performance Evaluation of Sub-Grid Orographic Parameterization in the WRF Model over Complex Terrain in Central Asia

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1164
Author(s):  
Huoqing Li ◽  
Junjian Liu ◽  
Hailiang Zhang ◽  
Chenxiang Ju ◽  
Junjie Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Central Asia ◽  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Orographic Drag

The terrain of Central Asia is complex and rugged over mountains. Consequently, wind speed is overestimated over mountains and plains when using the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model in winter. To solve this problem, three different simulations (named as control simulation (CRTL), gravity waves (GWD), and flow-blocking drag (FBD), respectively) were designed to investigate the impact of sub-grid orography (gravity waves and flow-blocking drag) on wind forecasts. The results illustrated that near-surface wind-speed overestimations were alleviated when sub-grid orographic drag was used in GWD, though the upper-level wind fields at 500 hPa were excessively reduced compared to CRTL. Thus, we propose eliminating the gravity wave breaking at the upper level to improve upper-level wind underestimations and surface wind speeds at the same time. The sub-grid orographic drag stress of the vertical profile over mountains was reduced when only the flow-blocking drag was retained in FBD. This alleviated underestimations of the upper-level wind speed and near-surface wind, which both have the same positive effects as the gravity wave and flow-blocking total. The mean bias and root mean squared error reduced by 32.76% and 9.39%, respectively, compared to CRTL. Moreover, the temperature and specific humidity in the lower troposphere were indirectly improved. The results of the study demonstrate that it is better to remove sub-grid orographic gravity wave drag when using the gravity wave drag scheme of the WRF model.

Sensitivity of the middle and upper atmospheric dynamics to the modification of the gravity wave drag parameterization in ICON model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalil Karami ◽  
Sebastian Borchert ◽  
Roland Eichinger ◽  
Christoph Jacobi ◽  
Ales Kuchar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Polar Vortex ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Internal Variability ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Mean Flow

<p>The gravity waves play a crucial role in driving and shaping the middle atmospheric circulation. The Upper-Atmospheric extension of the ICOsahedral Non-hydrostatic (UA-ICON) general circulation model was recently developed with satisfying performances in both idealized test cases and climate simulations, however the sensitivity of the circulation to the parameterized orographic and non-orographic gravity wave drag remains largely unexplored. Using UA-ICON and ICON-NWP, the sensitivity of the dynamics and circulation to both orographic and non-orographic parameterized gravity waves effects are investigated. ICON-NWP stands for the numerical-weather prediction mode of the ICON model (see Zängl et al, 2015, QJRMetSoc), with a model top at about 80 km altitude. The UA-ICON mode differs from ICON-NWP in deep-atmosphere dynamics (instead of shallow-atmosphere dynamics) and upper-atmosphere physics parameterizations being switched on. In addition, the model top is at about 150 km.</p> <p>The sensitivity experiments involve employing repeated annual cycle sea surface temperatures, sea ice, and greenhouse gases under year 1988. This year is selected as both El-Nino southern oscillation and pacific decadal oscillation are in their neutral phase and no explosive volcano eruption has occurred and hence conditions in this year can serve as a useful proxy for the multi-year mean condition and an estimate of its internal variability. For both UA-ICON and ICON-NWP, we perform simulations where in the control (CTL) simulation both orographic and non-orographic gravity wave drags are switched on. The other two experiments are identical to the control simulation except that either orographic (OGWD-off) or b) non-orographic (NGWD-off) gravity wave drags are switched off. The analysis include comparisons between CTL and OGWD-off and NGWD-off simulations and include wave-mean flow interaction diagnostics (Eliassen-Palm flux and its divergence and refractive index of Rossby waves) and mass stream function of the Brewer-Dobson circulation. We also investigate the sudden stratospheric warming frequency and polar vortex morphology in order to understand whether a missing gravity wave forcing can further amplify or curtail the effects of future climate. We present our goal, method as well as first results and discuss possible further analysis. </p>

scholarly journals Driving of the SAO by gravity waves as observed from satellite

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ern ◽  
P. Preusse ◽  
M. Riese
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Wind Shear ◽  
Critical Level ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Quasi Biennial Oscillation ◽  
Wave Forcing ◽  
Momentum Budget ◽  
The Tropics

Abstract. It is known that atmospheric dynamics in the tropical stratosphere have an influence on higher altitudes and latitudes as well as on surface weather and climate. In the tropics, the dynamics are governed by an interplay of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and semiannual oscillation (SAO) of the zonal wind. The QBO is dominant in the lower and middle stratosphere, and the SAO in the upper stratosphere/lower mesosphere. For both QBO and SAO the driving by atmospheric waves plays an important role. In particular, the role of gravity waves is still not well understood. In our study we use observations of the High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS) satellite instrument to derive gravity wave momentum fluxes and gravity wave drag in order to investigate the interaction of gravity waves with the SAO. These observations are compared with the ERA-Interim reanalysis. Usually, QBO westward winds are much stronger than QBO eastward winds. Therefore, mainly gravity waves with westward-directed phase speeds are filtered out through critical-level filtering already below the stratopause region. Accordingly, HIRDLS observations show that gravity waves contribute to the SAO momentum budget mainly during eastward wind shear, and not much during westward wind shear. These findings confirm theoretical expectations and are qualitatively in good agreement with ERA-Interim and other modeling studies. In ERA-Interim most of the westward SAO driving is due to planetary waves, likely of extratropical origin. Still, we find in both observations and ERA-Interim that sometimes westward-propagating gravity waves may contribute to the westward driving of the SAO. Four characteristic cases of atmospheric background conditions are identified. The forcings of the SAO in these cases are discussed in detail, supported by gravity wave spectra observed by HIRDLS. In particular, we find that the gravity wave forcing of the SAO cannot be explained by critical-level filtering alone; gravity wave saturation without critical levels being reached is also important.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document