Gravity waves in the middle atmosphere of the Southern Hemisphere

Abstract

Gravity waves in the southern hemisphere exhibit many of the same characteristics as those in the northern hemisphere in terms of their scales, amplitude growth with height, and influences on the lower and middle atmosphere. Yet there are likely to be significant differences in the wave spectra and their effects as well, due to differing source distributions and strengths in the two hemispheres. Presented here will be a brief review of our current understanding of gravity wave saturation processes and effects, and of the evidence for and likely sources of wave variability, in both hemispheres. We will then examine some of the evidence for hemispheric differences in gravity wave sources, energies, drag, and induced diffusion. -Author