Hayashi, Y., D. G. Golder, and J. D. Mahlman, 1984: Stratospheric and mesospheric Kelvin waves simulated by the GFDL "SKYHI" general circulation
model. Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, 41 (12), 1971-1984.
Abstract: A space-time spectral analysis is made of large-scale equatorial disturbances
simulated by the 40-level, 5 degree latitude GFDL "SKYHI" general circulation
model with annual mean conditions. Three kinds of eastward moving waves
with wavenumbers 1-2 are found in the lower and upper stratosphere and mesosphere.
These waves are characterized by small meridional winds and an eastward
tilt with height and are identifiable with observed Kelvin waves. A time-height
section reveals their vertical group propagation.
The lower stratospheric Kelvin wave is associated with periods of 10-30
days (eastward phase speed 15-46 m s-1) for wavenumber 1 and a vertical wavelength of ~10 km, corresponding to
that observed in 1968 by Wallace and Kousky. The upper stratospheric Kelvin
wave is associated with periods of 5-7 days (66-92 m s-1) for wavenumber 1 and a vertical wavelength of ~20 km, corresponding to
that observed by Hirota. The mesospheric Kelvin wave is associated with
periods of 3-4 days (115-154 m s-1) for wavenumber 1 and a vertical wavelength of ~40 km, corresponding to
that recently discovered by Salby and others. All these Kelvin waves transport
energy and eastward momentum upward and contribute to the maintenance of
the eastward flow.
In addition, gravity waves of zonal wavenumbers 1-30 and periods of 0.7-2
days have been found, particularly in the model's equatorial stratosphere
and mesosphere. Their eastward and westward moving components transport
eastward and westward momentum upward and contribute to the momentum balance
as much as, or even more than, Kelvin waves with periods longer than two
days.