Turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate and eddy diffusivity study in the tropical mesosphere using Jicamarca radar data

Guo, Liyu

Turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate and eddy diffusivity study in the tropical mesosphere using Jicamarca radar data

Abstract

The MST radar at Jicamarca Radar Observatory JRO is a powerful radar that can detect atmospheric turbulence on the Bragg scale of 3 m in the daytime mesosphere 60-85 km Since 2002 the radar was operated for a few days each year in the mode that collecting 1 minute Doppler spectra in four beam directions and 150 m resolution The spectral widths along with GSWM MSIS and SABER temperatures have been used to compute the kinetic energy dissipation rate due to atmospheric turbulence Eddy diffusivities K have also been calculated A small contamination due to beam broadening beam width 0 7 degree has been removed For most days median kinetic energy dissipation values of 1-10 mW kg increase with height consistent with the results from other VHF radars The variability during each day is large Turbulent dissipation rates and eddy diffusivities for individual layers and the day-to-day variability are discussed in relationship with the observed wind shear and estimated Richardson number.

Date

2006-05

Keywords

Radar , Kinetic energy , Turbulence , Mesosphere

Citation

Guo, L. (2006). Turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate and eddy diffusivity study in the tropical mesosphere using Jicamarca radar data (Thesis for the degree Master of Science Physics and Astronomy). Clemson University, United States.