Gravity wave dynamics and effects in the middle atmosphere

Atmospheric gravity waves have been a subject of intense research activity in recent years because of their myriad effects and their major contributions to atmospheric circulation, structure, and variability. Apart from occasionally strong lower‐atmospheric effects, the major wave influences occur in the middle atmosphere, between ∼ 10 and 110 km altitudes because of decreasing density and increasing wave amplitudes with altitude. Theoretical, numerical, and observational studies have advanced our understanding of gravity waves on many fronts since the review by Fritts [1984a] ; the present review will focus on these more recent contributions. Progress includes a better appreciation of gravity wave sources and…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 9618004, 9907501, 9708633, 9816160
• NA
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• AF
  Air Force Office of Scientific Research

  Award: F49620