Gravity Wave Propagation Characteristics (60–120 km) as Determined by the Saskatoon MF Radar (Gravnet) System: 1983–85 at 52°N, 107°W

Abstract

Gravity waves (GW) have been detected and their characteristics measured by observations with the Saskatoon multiple bistatic system, Gravnet. Data are available from 50 days for two height ranges 64–97 km, ∼100–115 km, and for the four seasons of 1983–85. Wave characteristics include horizontal wavelength, phase velocity, period, and amplitude. Background wind data allows the corresponding intrinsic parameters to be calculated; many waves are Doppler shifted to near their critical levels. Altitude and seasonal variations in the GW characteristics are shown. The strongest variation is in the horizontal direction of wave propagation, with southward directions dominating, but significant eastward(westward) fluxes in summer(winter) below 100 km.