Dynamics of the equatorial mesosphere observed using the Jicamarca MST radar during June and August 1987

Abstract

Results presented here indicate that the equatorial mesosphere is dynamically very active, with considerable gravity-wave and tidal motions and persuasive evidence of inertial instability and wave-filtering processes. Vertical velocities at high frequencies are comparable to those observed at other locations. Hourly mean horizontal motions and momentum fluxes are likewise large and variable, exhibiting enormous vertical shears and strong modulation of the wave spectrum and momentum fluxes at higher frequencies. Daily mean profiles reveal persistent structures with vertical scales of ~6-10 km, vertical shears of meridional velocity of ~0.03 s-1, and large mean momentum fluxes. -from Authors