Lidar observation of gravity wave characteristics in the tropical middle atmosphere

Altitude profiles of middle atmospheric temperature data using Rayleigh Lidar at Gadanki have been utilized to study the gravity wave characteristics. The wave activity during the period November 2002-April 2005 is investigated. The vertical propagation characteristics show waves with maximum amplitude of ~5-8 K and vertical wavelength of ~10 km. Potential energy density of these two bands of periodicities in the altitude regions 30-60 km is estimated for different seasons. Equinoctial enhancement in the wave activity is observed. Momentum fluxes of these two bands of periodicities of gravity waves also exhibit seasonal variation with maximum around equinox and minimum in solstial months. A high correlation exists between the gravity wave activity and one of its major sources namely convection.