Shaun Dempsey

Atmospheric gravity waves, analogous to ocean waves, can be generated by winds blowing over mountains, by storms and by unstable jet streams. They are critical in transporting energy and momentum between the layers of the atmosphere. However, despite their importance, computer models for weather prediction and climate research struggle to represent them accurately. The problem is severe at latitudes near 60°S and in the Antarctic. Here, we will use sophisticated radars and a powerful new 3D technique applied to NASA satellite data. We will measure waves in the intense wave “hot spot” of the stratosphere and mesosphere over the mountains of the Andes and Antarctic Peninsula, Southern Ocean and the mountainous island of South Georgia. We will investigate the sources and variability of the waves and determine their contribution to the coupling of atmospheric layers. Our results will help develop the next generation of computer models.