Gravity Waves

Gravity waves are fundamentally important to the mesoscale dynamics of the Earth’s atmosphere. Linearized gravity-wave theory provides an important conceptual framework for mesoanalysts and forecasters in interpreting observations and the results of numerical weather simulations and predictions. Gravity waves transport significant amounts of energy and momentum. They trigger convective storms and spawn clear-air turbulence. They interact strongly with one another, and, in the process, drive major spectral energy transfers in the atmosphere.