Gravity wave momentum flux
Atmospheric gravity waves can often be observed in wave clouds. They can propagate deep into the middle atmosphere and the associated momentum flux is a key driver of the circulation of the middle atmosphere.
©P. Preusse
Currently, global observational constraints on gravity wave momentum flux and gravity wave drag throughout the middle atmosphere are lacking, leading to large uncertainties in in climate and weather prediction models.
CAIRT will provide information on the gravity wave momentum flux, propagation direction and drag through three-dimensional observation of temperature fluctuations at unprecedented scales.