Dynamical Meteorology of the Equatorial Middle Atmosphere

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The variability of the mean flow of the equatorial middle atmosphere (15 to 90 km altitude) is dominated by the quasi- biennial and semi-annual oscillations (the QBO and SAO, respectively). The oscillations are manifested as a westerly phase of the equatorial zonal winds and represent a condition of superrotation in terms of angular momentum. The purpose of this research is to explore, from a theoretical viewpoint, the dynamics of these oscillations. The QBO is a stratospheric phenomenon, occurring irregularly every 22 to 34 months, whereas the SAO is semiannual and has components in both the mesosphere and stratosphere. Atmospheric motion in the middle atmosphere is influenced by radiative and photochemical processes. Dr. Dunkerton, in collaboration with scientists from the United kingdom, will further investigate the QBO and SAO using a fully coupled two- dimensional radiative-dynamical-photochemical model.