Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-2023-15
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-2023-15
23 May 2023
 | 23 May 2023
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal ANGEO.

High-time resolution analysis of meridional tides in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere at mid-latitudes measured by the Falkland Islands SuperDARN radar

Gareth Chisham, Andrew J. Kavanagh, Neil Cobbett, Paul Breen, and Tim Barnes

Abstract. Solar tides play a major role in the dynamics of the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of these tides is important for successful modelling of the MLT region. Most ground-based observations of tidal variations in the MLT have been from meteor radar measurements with a temporal resolution of 1 hr. Here, we take a different perspective on these tidal variations using high-resolution 1-min neutral wind measurements from the Falkland Islands SuperDARN radar. This analysis shows that these higher-resolution data can be used to identify higher frequency tidal components than are typically observed by meteor radars (up to a heptadiurnal component). It also shows evidence of significant power in these higher frequency components, particularly in the quaddiurnal component, which may be particularly suitable for a global analysis using high-resolution SuperDARN neutral wind measurements. The high-resolution analysis also shows evidence of fluctuations with a frequency of 1.5 cycles/day, as well as higher frequency fluctuations, accompanying a quasi-two-day wave. We discuss the limitations of this high-resolution analysis method, and the new opportunities that it may provide. We conclude that higher-resolution SuperDARN neutral wind measurements need to be better exploited in the future, as they provide a complementary way of studying tides and waves in the MLT.

Gareth Chisham et al.

Status: open (until 05 Jul 2023)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse

Gareth Chisham et al.

Gareth Chisham et al.

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Short summary
Solar tides in the atmosphere are driven by solar heating on the dayside of the Earth. They result in large-scale periodic motion of the upper atmosphere. This motion can be measured by ground-based radars. This paper shows that making measurements at a higher time resolution than the standard operation provides a better description of higher frequency tidal variations. This will improve the inputs to empirical atmospheric models and the benefits of data assimilation.