Fine-scale model simulation of gravity waves generated by Basen nunatak in Antarctica

Teresa Valkonen; Timo Vihma; Sheila Kirkwood; Milla M. Johansson

doi:10.1111/j.1600-0870.2009.00443.x

Fine-scale model simulation of gravity waves generated by Basen nunatak in Antarctica

Tellus

Volume 62 (2010): Issue 3

By: Teresa Valkonen, Timo Vihma, Sheila Kirkwood and Milla M. Johansson

Open Access

|Jan 2010

Abstract

Gravity waves over a small nunatak in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, were simulated applying the mesoscale model Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF).Most model experiments were made using three nested domains with 0.9 km horizontal resolution in the finest grid. The model results were validated against observations from a vertically pointing 54.5 MHz VHF radar, which provided profiles of the vertical and horizontal wind components over the nunatak. The WRF model generated gravity waves in the periods when these were observed. The modelled wave characteristics were qualitatively similar to the observed ones, although quantitative differences existed. The gravity wave had a typical vertical wave length of 3–4 km, and a maximum amplitude of 1 ms−1 in the vertical velocity field. The amplitude was largest at altitude of 2.0–3.5 km. The wave was strongest during nighttime, when the surface sensible heat flux was downwards. The evolution of vertical profiles of the observed rms fluctuation of vertical wind velocity and the modelled bulk Richardson number resembled each other. Gravity waves may affect the safety of aircraft landing and take-off on the lee side of the nunatak.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0870.2009.00443.x | Journal eISSN: 3035-9554

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Language: English

Page range: 319 - 332

Submitted on: Jun 16, 2009

Accepted on: Mar 5, 2010

Published on: Jan 1, 2010

Published by: Stockholm University Press

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

© 2010 Teresa Valkonen, Timo Vihma, Sheila Kirkwood, Milla M. Johansson, published by Stockholm University Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 62 (2010): Issue 3