Intense turbulence observed above a mesospheric temperature inversion at equatorial latitude

G. A. Lehmacher, C. L. Croskey, J. D. Mitchell, M. Friedrich, F. J. Lübken, M. Rapp, E. Kudeki, D. C. Fritts

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Results from a sounding rocket experiment launched on September 19, 2004 from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands are reported. A large modulation of the temperature profile in the upper mesosphere was observed with a local maximum at 92 km, 40 K warmer than 2 km below. The temperature gradient between 92 and 102 km was nearadiabatic, suggesting strong mixing. Turbulence was observed in the lower part of the mixed layer, as evidenced by neutral and plasma density fluctuations on both the upleg and downleg portions of the flight. The plasma density gradient was less steep in the mixed region. The turbulent energy dissipation rate was found to be 170 mW/kg. The thermal structure can be described as an upper mesospheric inversion layer, possibly caused by enhanced wave breaking or turbulent heat transport.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberL08808
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume33
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 28 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geophysics
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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