On Solitary Waves in the Atmosphere

Abstract

Abstract This paper is concerned with a description and interpretation of two unusual types of isolated atmospheric gravity wave observed near Tennant Creek in central Australia. These waves occur in the form of solitary waves of elevation and solitary waves of depression. Comparison of experimental data with theory leads to the conclusion that the majority of the observed isolated waves of elevation belong to the class of deep-fluid internal solitary waves considered by Benjamin and by Davis and Acrivos. The second fundamentally different type of large-amplitude isolated wave is tentatively identified as a classical solitary wave of depression.A brief discussion is given of a number of possible source mechanisms which may give rise to internal solitary atmospheric waves. It is proposed that the following two dynamical processes play an important role in the creation of solitary atmospheric waves in the arid interior of Australia: 1) the interaction of nocturnal katabatic density currents with an existing...