Work

Rogue vertical drafts in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere: evidence and implications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Observational evidence of extreme vertical velocities ( | w | ≥ 12.5 m/s and at times greater than 50 m/s) in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT), has emerged in recent years. We refer to these events as Rogue Vertical Drafts (RVDs). They exceed five standard deviations of observed vertical velocities and appear as paired updraft–downdraft structures in varicose mode. Four-dimensional observations reveal that RVDs are intermittent, recurrent, and unpredictable. On average, they are expected to occur every ∼ 12 days during summer over Northern Norway, assuming a 1,000 s interval. Different instruments may capture only portions of these events—for example, only upward or downward drafts when restricted to a single altitude range. Despite their rarity, their magnitudes and frequency suggest potential impacts on dust-sized matter escaping from planets, natural and anthropogenic space material, and MLT climate and processes. We propose that RVDs are a fundamental yet under-recognized feature of the MLT, underscoring the need for global observations to assess their prevalence and significance.

Source: Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences

DOI: 10.3389/fspas.2025.1716224

Authors: J. L. Chau, A. Berera, D. Huyghebaert

Institutions: Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Rostock University, University of Rostock, University of Edinburgh

Language: English

Topic: Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft