Gravity wave intensity and momentum fluxes in the mesosphere over Shigaraki, Japan (35°N, 136°E) during 1986-1997

Abstract. Averaged seasonal variations of wind perturbation intensities and vertical flux of horizontal momentum produced by internal gravity waves (IGWs) with periods 0.2-1 h and 1-6 h are studied at the altitudes 65-80 km using the MU radar measurement data from the middle and upper atmosphere during 1986-1997 at Shigaraki, Japan (35^° N, 136^° E). IGW intensity has maxima in winter and summer, winter values having substantial interannual variations. Mean wave momentum flux is directed to the west in winter and to the east in summer, opposite to the mean wind in the middle atmosphere. Major IGW momentum fluxes come to the mesosphere over Shigaraki from the Pacific direction in winter and continental Asia in summer.

Key words: Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (middle atmosphere dynamics; waves and tides) · Ionosphere (ionospheric disturbances)