Changes in turbulent processes caused by atmospheric gravity waves from troposphere

We have determined that changes in temperature and wind speed recorded in the Earth‘s upper atmosphere above tropospheric sources (hurricanes) can be explained by the propagation of atmospheric gravity waves (AGW). We carried out modeling of the propagation of AGW with a period of 65 min and kx=10−5 m−1 using multi-layer methods in a non-homogeneous, non-isothermal atmosphere, taking into account viscosity and thermal conductivity. We obtained that disturbances in the horizontal component of the velocity are five times greater than the increase in the vertical component of the velocity, and temperature changes can reach 30 K. We should note that the disturbances of temperature and pressure as a result of AGW spreading are superimposed onto the usual view of changes of pressure and temperature with the altitude and reach the maximum amplitude in the range from 90 to 100 km. The obtained changes in the temperature of the upper atmosphere and the velocity with height as a result of the presence of AGW made it possible to estimate the values of the coefficients of turbulent viscosity and thermal conductivity in the upper atmosphere of the Earth above tropospheric energy sources. Intensification of turbulent processes was recorded in the range of altitudes from 75 to 100 km. •Temperature and wind speed changes above hurricanes can be explained by AGWs.•Turbulent processes intensify above tropospheric energy sources at 75-100 km.•Estimated turbulent viscosity and thermal conductivity above tropospheric sources.