Evidence of the formation of noctilucent clouds due to propagation of an isolated gravity wave caused by a tropospheric occluded front
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: We consider a unique case of a propagating internal gravity wave that has generated in situ a compact and thin layer of noctilucent clouds (NLC) at 82.7–85.2 km with a characteristic horizontal scale of 65–70 km, as observed in the Moscow region on the night of 18–19 July 2013. This particular transient isolated gravity wave together with the whole NLC layer suddenly appeared in the clear twilight sky and lasted about 1 h traveling eastward, which differs significantly from previously observed cases of gravity waves propagating through preexisting NLC layers. Our model studies demonstrate that the wave had a tropospheric source connected to the passage of an occluded front. The wave was likely generated due to strong horizontal wind shears at about 5 km altitude.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1002/2014gl062776
Institutions: Swedish Institute of Space Physics, Space Research Institute, Russian State Hydrometeorological University, A.M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, St Petersburg University, Vilnius University, Kurchatov Institute, Novosibirsk State University, Academy of the National Guard of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Manash Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: G2826368777, G2928136432
OpenAlex ID: W1899125219