An Unusual Mesospheric Bore Event Observed at High Latitudes over Antarctica

Authors

K. Nielsen
Michael J. Taylor, Utah State UniversityFollow
R G. Stockwell
M. J. Jarvis

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Geophysical Research Letters

Volume

110

Issue

L07803

Publisher

American Geophysical Union

Publication Date

4-2006

First Page

1

Last Page

4

Abstract

All-sky CCD observations of short-period mesospheric gravity waves have been made from Halley Station, Antarctica (76S, 27W). On 27 May, 2001, an unusual wave event exhibiting several features characteristic of a ‘‘bore’’ was observed in the OH, Na, and O2 nightglow emissions. Mesospheric bores are rare wave events that have previously been observed at mid- and low-latitudes. This event was particular interesting as: (1) it initially appeared as a single, high contrast, linear front, accompanied by a sharp enhancement in intensity in all three emissions, (2) a number of trailing wave crests were observed to form with a measured growth rate of 6.6 waves/hr, and (3) the wave pattern exhibited unusual dynamics with significant variability in the observed phase speed and a reduction in the horizontal wavelength by 50% over a 1-hr period. The location of Halley and the observed propagation suggests a ducted wave consistent with current bore models.

Comments

Published by the American Geophysical Union in Geophysical Research Letters.

http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2006/2005GL025649.shtml

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Recommended Citation

Nielsen, K., M.J. Taylor, R.G. Stockwell and M.J. Jarvis, An Unusual Mesospheric Bore Event Observed at High Latitudes over Antarctica, Geophys. Res. Lett 110, D03S90, doi:10.1029/2004JD004954. 2006.