An algorithm for forecasting mountain wave-related turbulence in the stratosphere

Abstract

A global mountain wave parameterization for prediction of wave-related displacements and turbulence is described. The parameterization is used with input from National Meteorological Center analyses of wind and temperature to examine small-scale disturbances encountered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration high-altitude ER-2 during the Second Airborne Arctic Stratosphere Experiment. The magnitude and location of observed large wave events are well reproduced. A strong correlation is suggested between patches of moderate turbulence encountered by the ER-2 and locations where breaking mountain waves are predicted by the parameterization. These factors suggest that useful forecasts of global mountain wave activity, including wave-related clear-air turbulence, can be made quickly and inexpensively using our mountain wave parameterization with input from current numerical forecast models. -Authors