Global Measurements of Stratospheric Mountain Waves from Space
Stephen D. Eckermann,
1
and Peter Preusse
2
Temperatures acquired by the Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and
Telescopes for the Atmosphere (CRISTA) during shuttle mission STS-66
have provided measurements of stratospheric mountain waves from space.
Large-amplitude, long-wavelength mountain waves at heights of 15 to 30 kilometers above the southern Andes Mountains were observed and
characterized, with vigorous wave breaking inferred above 30 kilometers. Mountain waves also occurred throughout the stratosphere
(15 to 45 kilometers) over a broad mountainous region of central
Eurasia. The global distribution of mountain wave activity accords well
with predictions from a mountain wave model. The findings demonstrate
that satellites can provide the global data needed to improve mountain
wave parameterizations and hence global climate and forecast models.
1 E. O. Hulburt Center for Space Research,
Naval Research Laboratory, Code 7641.2, Washington, DC 20375, USA.
2 Department of Physics, University of Wuppertal,
Gauss-Strasse 20, D-42097 Wuppertal, Germany.
