Background Characterization of the Atmosphere When Looking for Eclipse-induced Gravity Waves

Abstract:

While eclipses have been the subject of past scientific research, a lack of high-resolution sounding data sets have precluded in-depth studies of eclipse-induced gravity waves until recently. When looking for eclipse-induced gravity waves it is important to understand the alternative sources of waves that could be detected during an eclipse. The goal of this research is to replicate results, or lack of, from prior eclipse studies. Eclipse-induced waves are expected to have different parameters compared to other sources such as mountain waves, wind shear, etc. Helium filled weather balloons carrying radiosondes are used to create an atmospheric profile of temperature, pressure, wind speed and direction. These data are used to identify boundary layers such as unstable wind shear, planetary boundary layer, and tropopause. As potential sources of gravity waves these layers can then be compared to detected waves to discern the waves’ origin. There are two other possible wave sources that must be considered along with turbulent boundaries: topography and convection. Topographic waves, or mountain waves, can be identified as waves propagating opposite the prevailing wind over topography in the intrinsic reference frame. Convection waves also have unique characteristics that make them uniquely identifiable: high-frequency waves with isotropic propagation. Having the ability to identify these sources is pivotal to the definitive detection of eclipse-induced gravity waves.