Spectral estimates of gravity wave energy and momentum fluxes. Part II: parameterization of wave forcing and variability

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a scheme for the parameterization of gravity wave propagation and effects in the lower and middle atmosphere that is tied as closely as possible to the spectral character of the observed gravity wave field. This effort begins with spectral expressions for gravity wave energy and momentum fluxes and prescribes the manner in which such idealized spectra respond to variations in the gravity wave environment. Also suggested are means of specifying spectral amplitudes in response to specific wave sources at lower levels and the spread of wave influences horizontally as the spectrum propagates vertically through the lower and middle atmosphere. Application of this scheme in a one-dimensional model yields wave amplitudes and fluxes in reasonable agreement with observations. -Authors