Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-2024-4
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-2024-4
03 May 2024
 | 03 May 2024
Status: a revised version of this preprint was accepted for the journal ANGEO and is expected to appear here in due course.

Acoustic–gravity waves and their role in ionosphere–lower thermosphere coupling

Gordana Jovanovic

Abstract. The properties of acoustic–gravity waves (AGWs) in the ionospheric D layer and their role in the D layer–lower thermosphere coupling are studied using the dispersion equation and the reflection coefficient. These analytical equations are an elegant tool for evaluating the contribution of upward–propagating acoustic and gravity waves to the dynamics of the lower thermosphere. It was found that infrasound waves with frequencies ω > 0.035 s−1, which propagate almost vertically, can reach the lower thermosphere. Also, gravity waves with frequencies lower than ω < 0.0087 s−1, with horizontal phase velocities in the range 159 m/s < vh < 222 m/s, and horizontal wavelength 115 km < λp < 161 km, are important for the lower thermosphere dynamics. These waves can cause temperature rise in the lower thermosphere and have the potential to generate middle–scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs). The reflection coefficient for AGWs is highly temperature dependent. During maximum solar activity, the temperature of the lower thermosphere can rise several times. This is the situation where infrasound waves become a prime candidate for the ionospheric D layer–lower thermosphere coupling, since strongly reflected gravity waves remain trapped in the D layer. Knowing the temperatures of the particular atmospheric layers, we can also know the characteristics of AGWs and vice versa.

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Gordana Jovanovic

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on angeo-2024-4', Anonymous Referee #1, 10 Jul 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Gordana Jovanovic, 16 Jul 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on angeo-2024-4', Anonymous Referee #2, 16 Jul 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Gordana Jovanovic, 19 Jul 2024

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on angeo-2024-4', Anonymous Referee #1, 10 Jul 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Gordana Jovanovic, 16 Jul 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on angeo-2024-4', Anonymous Referee #2, 16 Jul 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Gordana Jovanovic, 19 Jul 2024
Gordana Jovanovic
Gordana Jovanovic

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Short summary
The dispersion equation and the reflection coefficient are elegant tool for the studying AGWs propagation in the stratified atmospheres. The AGWs are used as a tool for ionosphere-lower thermosphere coupling. This is important because these waves, especially gravity waves, can generate ionospheric disturbances and cause the increase of the lower thermospheric temperature. Results of this article can be applied to the stratified atmospheres of the planets and the Sun.