Investigation of the vertical coupling by gravity waves in the Martian atmosphere

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Vertically propagating gravity waves (GWs) represent a major coupling mechanism that provides connections between lower and upper layers of all stably stratified planetary atmospheres. GWs are an essential component of the Earth climate. Although GW amplitudes are several times larger on Mars than on Earth, their significance is either apparently lacking (at least below 100 km), or not yet understood. The primary objective of this study is to investigate and quantify the role of meso-scale GWs in the Martian lower, middle and upper atmosphere, in maintaining the circulation, and in vertical coupling between atmospheric layers. The study will be organized around two intertwined specific goals: 1) to examine how GWs behave in the CO2 Martian atmosphere including their generation, propagation, and dissipation; and 2) to understand and quantify the influence of dissipating GWs on the atmosphere of Mars. The latter includes forcing of the general circulation, connection between the middle atmosphere variability and dust storms, formation of middle atmosphere clouds, and other current problems in Martian atmosphere science. The study will be performed using our comprehensive Martian general circulation model coupled with the state-of-the-art spectral nonlinear GW parameterization. The model will be further improved, novel numerical simulations performed, and results will be extensively tested against existing and future observational datasets, including those from the NASA MAVEN mission to be launched in 2013. Besides advancing and testing our fundamental understanding of the dynamics of the Martian atmosphere, the developed modeling tools will be applicable for other planets, broadly available to the planetary science community, and potentially impact the management of Martian orbiters by significantly improving the forecast of the atmospheric drag.