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Mesoscale Variability in SUCCESS DataAnalysis of meteorological, chemical and microphysical data from the airborne SUCCESS (SUbsonic aircraft Contrail and Cloud Effects Special Study) mission is reported. Careful analysis of the complex DC-8 flight pattern of May 2, 1996 reveals 19 linear flight segments within six main geographical areas, which we have analyzed. Significant mountain wave activity is revealed in the data from the MMS (Meteorology Measurement System) and MTP (Microwave Temperature Profiler) instruments on the DC-8, which resembles previous observations of mountain wave structures near Boulder, Colorado. Strong mountain-wave-induced upwelling downwind of the Rockies is noted. Turbulence is also noted in regions of the mountain wave consistent with overturning near the tropopause. Zonal winds recorded on the ER-2 are shown to be consistent with mountain wave breaking at or near critical levels in the stratosphere, consistent with the strong turbulence reported by the pilot during the ER-2 flight. These observations have been supported with spectral analyses and modeling studies. 'Postcasts' of mountain wave activity on May 2, 1996 using the Naval Research Laboratory Mountain Wave Forecast Model predicts both strong mountain wave activity near the tropopause and strong mountain-wave-induced turbulence in the stratosphere.
Document ID
20020090931
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Eckermann, Stephen D.
(Computational Physics, Inc. Fairfax, VA United States)
Stewart, Richard W.
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1998
Subject Category
Geophysics
Report/Patent Number
NASA/CR-2000-209887
NAS 1.26:209887
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-97247
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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