Enhanced internal gravity wave activity and breaking over the Northeastern Pacific/Eastern Asian region
Author:
Sacha P., Kuchar A.ORCID, Jacobi C.ORCID, Pisoft P.ORCID
Abstract
Abstract. We have found a stratospheric area of anomalously low annual cycle amplitude and specific dynamics in the stratosphere over the Northeastern Pacific/Eastern Asia coastal region. Using GPS radio occultation density profiles from FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC, we have discovered an internal gravity wave activity and breaking hotspot in this region. Conditions supporting orographic wave sourcing and propagation were found. Other possible sources of wave activity in this region are listed. The reasons, why this particular IGW activity hotspot was not discovered before nor the specific dynamics of this region was pointed out, are discussed together with weaknesses of using the mean potential energy as a wave activity proxy. Possible consequences of the specific dynamics in this region on the middle atmospheric dynamics and transport are outlined.
Publisher
Copernicus GmbH
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