Abstract
Several years of intense investigation of internal gravity waves propagating in low-level ducts in the atmosphere over a rather flat region not influenced by land-sea circulation or mountains are reported. This study gives a rather complete picture of the occurrence, features, and of some of the excitation conditions of these waves. Simultaneous direct measurements made on a meteorological tower, 250 m high, using temperature, vector wind, and sonic anemometer sensors at different altitudes are reported along with indirect measurements using an array of microbarographs with separations over a range of more than 100 km. The study also included microwave propagation links crossing over the meteorological site. Individual wave crests some tens of kilometers long could be followed over a path of more than 100 km. Because of the variability and non-stationary conditions of the lower atmosphere, a direct correlation between a propagating internal wave group and the fading pattern of EM propagation could be found in only a few cases.
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It is interesting to note Goldie's references to Kelvin and Helmholtz in this regard.
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Stilke, G. Occurrence and features of ducted modes of internal gravity waves over western Europe and their influence on microwave propagation. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 4, 493–509 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02265251
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02265251