Han-Li Liu
National Center for Atmospheric Research, P. O. Box, 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000, National Center for Atmospheric Research, P. O. Box, 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000
Corresponding Author:[email protected]
Author ProfileAbstract
Quantification of heat and constituent transport by gravity waves in
global models is challenging due to limited model resolutions. Current
parameterization schemes suffer from over-simplification and often
underestimate the transport rate. In this study, a new approach is
explored to quantify the effective vertical eddy diffusion by using a
high-resolution WACCM simulation based on scale invariance. The WACCM
simulation can partially resolve the mesoscale gravity wave spectrum
down to ~250 km horizontal wavelength, and the heat flux
and the effective vertical eddy diffusion by these waves are calculated
directly. The effective vertical diffusion by the smaller-scale,
unresolved waves, is then deduced based on scale invariance, following
the method outlined by Liu (2019) in quantifying gravity wave momentum
flux and forcing. The effective vertical diffusion obtained is generally
larger than that obtained from parameterizations, and is comparable with
that derived from observations in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere
region.