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Momentum flux measurements: Techniques and needs, part 4.5A

David C. Fritts

Abstract

The vertical flux of horizontal momentum by internal gravity waves is now recognized to play a significant role in the large-scale circulation and thermal structure of the middle atmosphere. This is because a divergence of momentum flux due to wave dissipation results in an acceleration of the local mean flow towards the phase speed of the gravity wave. Such mean flow acceleration are required to offset the large zonal accelerations driven by Coriolis torques acting on the diabatic meridional circulation. Techniques and observations regarding the momentum flux distribution in the middle atmosphere are discussed.

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Key concepts: Momentum (technical analysis), Zonal flow (plasma), Physics, Diabatic, Atmosphere (unit), Flux (metallurgy), Mechanics, Mean flow