Internal wave coupling processes in Earth's atmosphere

TL;DR

This review discusses how internal atmospheric waves generated by meteorological processes facilitate vertical coupling between Earth's lower and upper atmosphere, impacting dynamics and variability.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of internal wave theory, observational evidence, and modeling approaches for understanding atmospheric coupling processes.

Findings

Internal waves significantly influence upper atmospheric variability.

Recent studies link sudden stratospheric warming to wave-induced coupling.

Numerical models are advancing understanding of wave propagation and effects.

Abstract

This paper presents a contemporary review of vertical coupling in the atmosphere and ionosphere system induced by internal waves of lower atmospheric origin. Atmospheric waves are primarily generated by meteorological processes, possess a broad range of spatial and temporal scales, and can propagate to the upper atmosphere. A brief summary of internal wave theory is given, focusing on gravity waves, solar tides, planetary Rossby and Kelvin waves. Observations of wave signatures in the upper atmosphere, their relationship with the direct propagation of waves into the upper atmosphere, dynamical and thermal impacts as well as concepts, approaches, and numerical modeling techniques are outlined. Recent progress in studies of sudden stratospheric warming and upper atmospheric variability are discussed in the context of wave-induced vertical coupling between the lower and upper atmosphere.