Articles | Volume 18, issue 21
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16051-2018
© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16051-2018
© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Solar and lunar tides in noctilucent clouds as determined by ground-based lidar
Jens Fiedler
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Rostock University, Kühlungsborn, Germany
Gerd Baumgarten
Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Rostock University, Kühlungsborn, Germany
Related authors
Jens Fiedler and Gerd Baumgarten
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 5841–5859, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5841-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5841-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This article describes the current status of a lidar installed at ALOMAR in northern Norway. It has investigated the Arctic middle atmosphere on a climatological basis for 30 years. We discuss major upgrades of the system implemented during recent years, including methods for reliable remote operation of this complex lidar. We also show examples that illustrate the performance of the lidar during measurements at different altitude ranges and timescales.
Michael Gerding, Robin Wing, Eframir Franco-Diaz, Gerd Baumgarten, Jens Fiedler, Torsten Köpnick, and Reik Ostermann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2789–2809, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2789-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2789-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This paper describes a new lidar system developed in Germany intended to study wind and temperature at night in the middle atmosphere. The paper explains how we have set up the system to work automatically and gives technical details for anyone who wants to build a similar system. We present a case study showing temperatures and winds at different altitudes. In a future article, we will present how we process the data and deal with uncertainties.
Arvid Langenbach, Gerd Baumgarten, Jens Fiedler, Franz-Josef Lübken, Christian von Savigny, and Jacob Zalach
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4065–4076, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4065-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4065-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Stratospheric aerosol backscatter ratios in the Arctic using Rayleigh, Mie and Raman backscattered signals were calculated. A backscatter ratio calculation during daytime was performed for the first time. Sharp aerosol layers thinner than 1 km over several days were observed. The seasonal cycle of stratospheric background aerosol in high latitudes including the summer months was calculated for the first time. Top altitude of the aerosol layer was found to reach up to 34 km, especially in summer.
Fazlul I. Laskar, Gunter Stober, Jens Fiedler, Meers M. Oppenheim, Jorge L. Chau, Duggirala Pallamraju, Nicholas M. Pedatella, Masaki Tsutsumi, and Toralf Renkwitz
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 5259–5267, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-5259-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-5259-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Meteor radars are used to track and estimate the fading time of meteor trails. In this investigation, it is observed that the diffusion time estimated from such trail fading time is anomalously higher during noctilucent clouds (NLC) than that in its absence. We propose that NLC particles absorb background electrons and thus modify the background electrodynamics, leading to such an anomaly.
Uwe Berger, Gerd Baumgarten, Jens Fiedler, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 4685–4702, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4685-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4685-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper we present a new description of statistical probability density functions (pdfs) of polar mesospheric clouds (PMC). We derive a new class of pdfs that describes successfully the probability statistic of ALOMAR lidar observations of different ice parameters. As a main advantage the new method allows us to connect different observational PMC distributions of lidar and satellite data, and also to compare with distributions from ice model studies.
Francie Schmidt, Gerd Baumgarten, Uwe Berger, Jens Fiedler, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 8893–8908, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-8893-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-8893-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Local time variations of polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) in the Northern Hemisphere are studied using a combination of a global circulation model and a microphysical model. We investigate the brightness, altitude, and occurrence of the clouds and find a good agreement between model and observations. The variations are caused by tidal structures in background parameters. The temperature varies by about 2 K and water vapor by about 3 ppmv at the altitude of ice particle sublimation near 81.5 km.
Jens Hildebrand, Gerd Baumgarten, Jens Fiedler, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 13345–13359, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13345-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13345-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We present altitude profiles of winds and temperatures in the Arctic strato- and mesosphere obtained during three Januaries. The data show large year-to-year variations. We compare the observations to model data. For monthly mean profiles we find good agreement below 55 km altitude but also differences of up to 20 K and 20 m s-1 above. The fluctuations during single nights indicate gravity waves. The kinetic energy of such waves is typically 5 to 10 times larger than their potential energy.
H. Wilms, M. Rapp, P. Hoffmann, J. Fiedler, and G. Baumgarten
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 11951–11963, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11951-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11951-2013, 2013
N. Kaifler, G. Baumgarten, J. Fiedler, and F.-J. Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 11757–11768, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11757-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11757-2013, 2013
Jens Fiedler and Gerd Baumgarten
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 5841–5859, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5841-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5841-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This article describes the current status of a lidar installed at ALOMAR in northern Norway. It has investigated the Arctic middle atmosphere on a climatological basis for 30 years. We discuss major upgrades of the system implemented during recent years, including methods for reliable remote operation of this complex lidar. We also show examples that illustrate the performance of the lidar during measurements at different altitude ranges and timescales.
Natalie Kaifler, Bernd Kaifler, Markus Rapp, Guiping Liu, Diego Janches, Gerd Baumgarten, and Jose-Luis Hormaechea
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2318, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2318, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Noctilucent clouds (NLC) are silvery clouds that can be viewed during twilight and indicate atmospheric conditions like temperature and water vapor in the upper mesosphere. High-resolution measurements from a remote-sensing laser instrument provide NLC height, brightness and occurrence rate since 2017. Most observations occur in the morning hours, likely caused by strong tidal winds, and NLC ice particles are thus transported from elsewhere to the observing location in the southern hemisphere.
Michael Gerding, Robin Wing, Eframir Franco-Diaz, Gerd Baumgarten, Jens Fiedler, Torsten Köpnick, and Reik Ostermann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 2789–2809, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2789-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-2789-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This paper describes a new lidar system developed in Germany intended to study wind and temperature at night in the middle atmosphere. The paper explains how we have set up the system to work automatically and gives technical details for anyone who wants to build a similar system. We present a case study showing temperatures and winds at different altitudes. In a future article, we will present how we process the data and deal with uncertainties.
Thorben H. Mense, Josef Höffner, Gerd Baumgarten, Ronald Eixmann, Jan Froh, Alsu Mauer, Alexander Munk, Robin Wing, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 1665–1677, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1665-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-1665-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A novel lidar system with five beams measured horizontal and vertical winds together, reaching altitudes up to 25 km. Developed in Germany, it revealed accurate horizontal wind data compared to forecasts, but vertical wind estimates differed. The lidar's capability to detect small-scale wind patterns was highlighted, advancing atmospheric research.
Eframir Franco-Diaz, Michael Gerding, Laura Holt, Irina Strelnikova, Robin Wing, Gerd Baumgarten, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 1543–1558, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1543-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-1543-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We use satellite, lidar, and ECMWF data to study storm-related waves that propagate above Kühlungsborn, Germany, during summer. Although these events occur in roughly half of the years of the satellite data we analyzed, we focus our study on two case study years (2014 and 2015). These events could contribute significantly to middle atmospheric circulation and are not accounted for in weather and climate models.
Mohamed Mossad, Irina Strelnikova, Robin Wing, and Gerd Baumgarten
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 783–799, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-783-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-783-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This numerical study addresses observational gaps' impact on atmospheric gravity wave spectra. Three methods, fast Fourier transform (FFT), generalized Lomb–Scargle periodogram (GLS), and Haar structure function (HSF), were tested on synthetic data. HSF is best for spectra with negative slopes. GLS excels for flat and positive slopes and identifying dominant frequencies. Accurately estimating these aspects is crucial for understanding gravity wave dynamics and energy transfer in the atmosphere.
Ashique Vellalassery, Gerd Baumgarten, Mykhaylo Grygalashvyly, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Ann. Geophys., 41, 289–300, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-41-289-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-41-289-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The solar cycle affects the H2O concentration in the upper mesosphere mainly in two ways: directly through photolysis and, at the time and place of NLC formation, indirectly through temperature changes. The H2O–Lyman-α response is modified by NLC formation, resulting in a positive response at the ice formation region (due to the temperature change effect on the ice formation rate) and a negative response at the sublimation zone (due to the photolysis effect).
Anna Lange, Gerd Baumgarten, Alexei Rozanov, and Christian von Savigny
Ann. Geophys., 40, 407–419, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-40-407-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-40-407-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the influence of different parameters on the colour of noctilucent clouds (highest clouds in the atmosphere), using radiative transfer calculations. We determined the effect of the particle size, optical depth, single scattering/multiple scattering and ozone. For sufficiently large optical depth and for specific viewing geometries, ozone plays only a minor role in the blueish colour of noctilucent clouds (new result).
Ronald Eixmann, Vivien Matthias, Josef Höffner, Gerd Baumgarten, and Michael Gerding
Ann. Geophys., 38, 373–383, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-373-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-373-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The aim of this study is to bring local variabilities into a global context. To qualitatively study the impact of global waves on local measurements in winter, we combine local lidar measurements with global MERRA-2 reanalysis data. Our results show that about 98 % of the local day-to-day variability can be explained by the variability of waves with zonal wave numbers 1, 2 and 3. Thus locally measured effects which are not based on global wave variability can be investigated much better.
Irina Strelnikova, Gerd Baumgarten, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 479–499, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-479-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-479-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
One of the major problems of climate and weather modeling is atmospheric gravity waves. All measured meteorological parameters such as winds and temperature reveal superposition of large-scale background field and small-scale features created by waves. We developed an analysis technique that decomposes the measured winds and temperature into single waves, which allows for a detailed description of wave parameters. Application of this technique will improve understanding of atmospheric dynamics.
Boris Strelnikov, Martin Eberhart, Martin Friedrich, Jonas Hedin, Mikhail Khaplanov, Gerd Baumgarten, Bifford P. Williams, Tristan Staszak, Heiner Asmus, Irina Strelnikova, Ralph Latteck, Mykhaylo Grygalashvyly, Franz-Josef Lübken, Josef Höffner, Raimund Wörl, Jörg Gumbel, Stefan Löhle, Stefanos Fasoulas, Markus Rapp, Aroh Barjatya, Michael J. Taylor, and Pierre-Dominique Pautet
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 11443–11460, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11443-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-11443-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Sounding rockets are the only means of measuring small-scale structures (i.e., spatial scales of kilometers to centimeters) in the Earth's middle atmosphere (50–120 km). We present and analyze brand-new high-resolution measurements of atomic oxygen (O) concentration together with high-resolution measurements of ionospheric plasma and neutral air parameters. We found a new behavior of the O inside turbulent layers, which might be essential to adequately model weather and climate.
Jacob Zalach, Christian von Savigny, Arvid Langenbach, Gerd Baumgarten, Franz-Josef Lübken, and Adam Bourassa
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2019-267, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2019-267, 2019
Revised manuscript not accepted
Arvid Langenbach, Gerd Baumgarten, Jens Fiedler, Franz-Josef Lübken, Christian von Savigny, and Jacob Zalach
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 4065–4076, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4065-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-4065-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Stratospheric aerosol backscatter ratios in the Arctic using Rayleigh, Mie and Raman backscattered signals were calculated. A backscatter ratio calculation during daytime was performed for the first time. Sharp aerosol layers thinner than 1 km over several days were observed. The seasonal cycle of stratospheric background aerosol in high latitudes including the summer months was calculated for the first time. Top altitude of the aerosol layer was found to reach up to 34 km, especially in summer.
Fazlul I. Laskar, Gunter Stober, Jens Fiedler, Meers M. Oppenheim, Jorge L. Chau, Duggirala Pallamraju, Nicholas M. Pedatella, Masaki Tsutsumi, and Toralf Renkwitz
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 5259–5267, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-5259-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-5259-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Meteor radars are used to track and estimate the fading time of meteor trails. In this investigation, it is observed that the diffusion time estimated from such trail fading time is anomalously higher during noctilucent clouds (NLC) than that in its absence. We propose that NLC particles absorb background electrons and thus modify the background electrodynamics, leading to such an anomaly.
Uwe Berger, Gerd Baumgarten, Jens Fiedler, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 4685–4702, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4685-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-4685-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper we present a new description of statistical probability density functions (pdfs) of polar mesospheric clouds (PMC). We derive a new class of pdfs that describes successfully the probability statistic of ALOMAR lidar observations of different ice parameters. As a main advantage the new method allows us to connect different observational PMC distributions of lidar and satellite data, and also to compare with distributions from ice model studies.
Ove Havnes, Tarjei Antonsen, Gerd Baumgarten, Thomas W. Hartquist, Alexander Biebricher, Åshild Fredriksen, Martin Friedrich, and Jonas Hedin
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 1673–1683, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1673-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-1673-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We present a new method of analyzing data from rocket-borne aerosol detectors of the Faraday cup type (DUSTY). By using models for how aerosols are charged in the mesosphere and how they interact in a collision with the probes, fundamental parameters like aerosol radius, charge, and number density can be derived. The resolution can be down to ~ 10 cm, which is much lower than other available methods. The theory is furthermore used to analyze DUSTY data from the 2016 rocket campaign MAXIDUSTY.
Francie Schmidt, Gerd Baumgarten, Uwe Berger, Jens Fiedler, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 8893–8908, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-8893-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-8893-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Local time variations of polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) in the Northern Hemisphere are studied using a combination of a global circulation model and a microphysical model. We investigate the brightness, altitude, and occurrence of the clouds and find a good agreement between model and observations. The variations are caused by tidal structures in background parameters. The temperature varies by about 2 K and water vapor by about 3 ppmv at the altitude of ice particle sublimation near 81.5 km.
Rolf Rüfenacht, Gerd Baumgarten, Jens Hildebrand, Franziska Schranz, Vivien Matthias, Gunter Stober, Franz-Josef Lübken, and Niklaus Kämpfer
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 1971–1987, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-1971-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-1971-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Wind information throughout the middle-atmosphere is crucial for the understanding of atmospheric dynamics but became available only recently, thanks to developments in remote sensing and modelling approaches. We present the first thorough assessment of the quality of the wind estimates by comparing co-located observations from lidar and microwave radiometry and opposing them to the major atmospheric models. Moreover we evaluated a new approach for measuring mesopause region wind by radiometry.
Kathrin Baumgarten, Michael Gerding, Gerd Baumgarten, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 371–384, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-371-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-371-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Gravity waves (GWs) as well as solar tides are a key driving mechanism for the circulation in the Earth's atmosphere. The temporal variation of these waves is studied using a record long 10-day continuous Rayleigh–Mie–Raman lidar sounding at midlatitudes. This data set shows a large variability of these waves on timescales of a few days and therefore provides new insights into wave intermittency phenomena, which can help to improve model simulations.
Jens Hildebrand, Gerd Baumgarten, Jens Fiedler, and Franz-Josef Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 13345–13359, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13345-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13345-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We present altitude profiles of winds and temperatures in the Arctic strato- and mesosphere obtained during three Januaries. The data show large year-to-year variations. We compare the observations to model data. For monthly mean profiles we find good agreement below 55 km altitude but also differences of up to 20 K and 20 m s-1 above. The fluctuations during single nights indicate gravity waves. The kinetic energy of such waves is typically 5 to 10 times larger than their potential energy.
Boris Strelnikov, Artur Szewczyk, Irina Strelnikova, Ralph Latteck, Gerd Baumgarten, Franz-Josef Lübken, Markus Rapp, Stefanos Fasoulas, Stefan Löhle, Martin Eberhart, Ulf-Peter Hoppe, Tim Dunker, Martin Friedrich, Jonas Hedin, Mikhail Khaplanov, Jörg Gumbel, and Aroh Barjatya
Ann. Geophys., 35, 547–565, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-547-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-547-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The WADIS sounding rocket mission utilized multi-point turbulence measurements in the mesosphere by different techniques, i.e., with ionization gauges carried by rockets and ground-based MAARSY and EISCAT radars. Results show that turbulence energy dissipation rates oscillate in space and time with amplitude of up to 2 orders of magnitude. Spatial oscillations show the same wavelengths as atmospheric gravity waves. Temporal variability reveals periods of atmospheric tides and gravity waves.
Johannes Wagner, Andreas Dörnbrack, Markus Rapp, Sonja Gisinger, Benedikt Ehard, Martina Bramberger, Benjamin Witschas, Fernando Chouza, Stephan Rahm, Christian Mallaun, Gerd Baumgarten, and Peter Hoor
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 4031–4052, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4031-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-4031-2017, 2017
Franz-Josef Lübken, Gerd Baumgarten, Jens Hildebrand, and Francis J. Schmidlin
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 3911–3919, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-3911-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-3911-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Wind measurements in the middle atmosphere (MA) are crucial to our understanding of atmospheric processes. We have recently developed a new laser-based method to measure winds called DoRIS (Doppler Rayleigh Iodine Spectrometer) which is the only technique to monitor winds in the middle atmosphere quasi-continuously. We
compare our measurements with rocket-borne measurements and find excellent
agreement above 30 km. DoRIS can now be considered as a validated method to measure winds in the MA.
J. Kiliani, G. Baumgarten, F.-J. Lübken, and U. Berger
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 12897–12907, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-12897-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-12897-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
For the first time the shape of noctilucent cloud particles is analyzed with a 3-D Lagrangian model. Three-color lidar measurements are compared directly to optical modeling of NLC simulations with non-spherical shapes: a mix of elongated and flattened cylindrical ice particles consistent with measurements. Comparison is best if flattened particles form a majority, with mean axis ratio around 2.8. NLCs from cylindrical particles are slightly brighter and consist of fewer but larger ice particle.
H. Wilms, M. Rapp, P. Hoffmann, J. Fiedler, and G. Baumgarten
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 11951–11963, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11951-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11951-2013, 2013
N. Kaifler, G. Baumgarten, J. Fiedler, and F.-J. Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 11757–11768, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11757-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11757-2013, 2013
A. Szewczyk, B. Strelnikov, M. Rapp, I. Strelnikova, G. Baumgarten, N. Kaifler, T. Dunker, and U.-P. Hoppe
Ann. Geophys., 31, 775–785, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-775-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-775-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Aerosols | Research Activity: Remote Sensing | Altitude Range: Mesosphere | Science Focus: Physics (physical properties and processes)
Responses of CIPS/AIM noctilucent clouds to the interplanetary magnetic field
The 2019 Raikoke volcanic eruption – Part 2: Particle-phase dispersion and concurrent wildfire smoke emissions
Measurements of global distributions of polar mesospheric clouds during 2005–2012 by MIPAS/Envisat
NLC and the background atmosphere above ALOMAR
Coincident measurements of PMSE and NLC above ALOMAR (69° N, 16° E) by radar and lidar from 1999–2008
On microphysical processes of noctilucent clouds (NLC): observations and modeling of mean and width of the particle size-distribution
Liang Zhang, Brian Tinsley, and Limin Zhou
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 13355–13370, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-13355-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-13355-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Both the day-to-day analysis and superposed epoch analysis of the noctilucent cloud (NLC) data revealed conspicuous correlations between NLCs and the solar wind magnetic fields, in both polar regions. The responses in the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere are opposite, and the lag time is fairly short. These two features are beyond the explanations of previously proposed solar photodissociation origin or dynamic origin for the solar–NLC link, and a possible new mechanism is discussed.
Martin J. Osborne, Johannes de Leeuw, Claire Witham, Anja Schmidt, Frances Beckett, Nina Kristiansen, Joelle Buxmann, Cameron Saint, Ellsworth J. Welton, Javier Fochesatto, Ana R. Gomes, Ulrich Bundke, Andreas Petzold, Franco Marenco, and Jim Haywood
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 2975–2997, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2975-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2975-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Using the Met Office NAME dispersion model, supported by satellite- and ground-based remote-sensing observations, we describe the dispersion of aerosols from the 2019 Raikoke eruption and the concurrent wildfires in Alberta Canada. We show how the synergy of dispersion modelling and multiple observation sources allowed observers in the London VAAC to arrive at a more complete picture of the aerosol loading at altitudes commonly used by aviation.
Maya García-Comas, Manuel López-Puertas, Bernd Funke, Á. Aythami Jurado-Navarro, Angela Gardini, Gabriele P. Stiller, Thomas von Clarmann, and Michael Höpfner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 6701–6719, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6701-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6701-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We have analysed IR measurements of PMCs in the NH and SH from 2005 to 2012. This technique is sensitive to the total ice volume independent of particle size. For the first time, we have measured the total ice volume from the midlatitudes to the poles. The data indicate a layer of ice from 81 to 89 km and from the poles to 50–60º in each hemisphere, increasing near the poles. The ice density is larger in the NH than in the SH and located 1 km lower. PMCs also show a diurnal variation.
J. Fiedler, G. Baumgarten, U. Berger, P. Hoffmann, N. Kaifler, and F.-J. Lübken
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 5701–5717, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-5701-2011, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-5701-2011, 2011
N. Kaifler, G. Baumgarten, J. Fiedler, R. Latteck, F.-J. Lübken, and M. Rapp
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 1355–1366, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-1355-2011, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-1355-2011, 2011
G. Baumgarten, J. Fiedler, and M. Rapp
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 6661–6668, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-6661-2010, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-6661-2010, 2010
Cited articles
Backhouse, T. W.: The luminous cirrus clouds of June and July, Meteorol.
Mag., 20, 133 pp., 1885. a
Baumgarten, G., Fricke, K. H., and von Cossart, G.: Investigation of the
shape of noctilucent cloud particles by polarization lidar technique,
Geophys. Res. Lett., 29, 1630, https://doi.org/10.1029/2001GL013877, 2002. a
Baumgarten, G., Fiedler, J., and Rapp, M.: On microphysical processes of
noctilucent clouds (NLC): observations and modeling of mean and width of the
particle size-distribution, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 6661–6668,
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-6661-2010, 2010. a
Chree, C.: Some phenomena of sunspots and of terrestrial magnetism at Kew
observatory, Philos. T. Roy. Soc. A, 212, 75–116, 1912. a
Chu, X., Gardner, C. S., and Papen, G.: Lidar observations of polar
mesospheric clouds at South Pole: Diurnal variations, Geophys. Res.
Lett., 28, 1937–1940, https://doi.org/10.1029/2000GL012525, 2001. a, b
Dalin, P., Pertsev, N. N., and Romejko, V. A.: Significance of lunar impact
on noctilucent clouds, J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phy., 68, 1653–1663,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2006.06.005, 2006. a, b
Dalin, P., Kirkwood, S., Pertsev, N., and Perminov, V.: Influence of
Solar and Lunar Tides on the Mesopause Region as Observed in
Polar Mesosphere Summer Echoes Characteristics, J. Geophys. Res.,
122, 10369–10383, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JD026509, 2017. a
DeLand, M. T., Shettle, E. P., Thomas, G. E., and Olivero, J. J.: Solar
backscattered ultraviolett (SBUV) observations of polar mesospheric clouds
(PMCs) over two solar cycles, J. Geophys. Res., 108, 8445,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2002JD002398, 2003. a
DeLand, M. T., Shettle, E. P., Thomas, G. E., and Olivero, J. J.: Direct
observations of PMC local time variations by Aura OMI, J. Atmos.
Sol.-Terr. Phy., 73, 2049–2064, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2010.11.019, 2011. a
Efron, B. and Tibshirani, R. J.: An Introduction to the Bootstrap,
Chapman and Hall, New York, NY, 1993. a
Fiedler, J., Baumgarten, G., and von Cossart, G.: Mean diurnal variations of
noctilucent clouds during 7 years of lidar observations at ALOMAR, Ann.
Geophys., 23, 1175–1181, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-23-1175-2005, 2005. a, b, c
Fiedler, J., Baumgarten, G., and Lübken, F.-J.: NLC observations during
one solar cycle above ALOMAR, J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phy., 71, 424–433,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2008.11.010, 2009. a, b
Fiedler, J., Baumgarten, G., Berger, U., Hoffmann, P., Kaifler, N., and
Lübken, F.-J.: NLC and the background atmosphere above ALOMAR, Atmos.
Chem. Phys., 11, 5701–5717, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-5701-2011, 2011. a, b, c
Fiedler, J., Baumgarten, G., Berger, U., and Lübken, F.-J.: Long-term
variations of noctilucent clouds at ALOMAR, J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phy., 162,
79–89, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2016.08.006, 2017. a, b, c
Forbes, J. M.: Middle atmosphere tides, J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phy., 46,
1049–1067, https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9169(84)90008-4, 1984. a
Gerding, M., Kopp, M., Hoffmann, Höffner, J., and Lübken, F.-J.:
Diurnal variation of midlatitude NLC parameters observed by
daylight-capable lidar and their relation to ambient parameters, Geophys.
Res. Lett., 40, 6390–6394, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013GL057955, 2013. a, b
Hervig, M., Thompson, R. E., McHugh, M., Gordley, L. L., Russell III,
J. M., and Summers, M. E.: First confirmation that water ice is the primary
component of polar mesospheric clouds, Geophys. Res. Lett., 28, 971–974,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2000GL012104, 2001. a
Jesse, O.: Auffallende Abenderscheinungen am Himmel, Meteorol. Z., 2,
311–312, 1885. a
Jesse, O.: Die Höhe der leuchtenden Nachtwolken, Astron. Nachr.,
140, 161–168, 1896. a
Kaifler, N., Baumgarten, G., Fiedler, J., and Lübken, F.-J.:
Quantification of waves in lidar observations of noctilucent clouds at scales
from seconds to minutes, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 11757–11768,
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-11757-2013, 2013. a
Kirkwood, S. and Stebel, K.: Influence of planetary waves on noctilucent
cloud occurrence over NW Europe, J. Geophys. Res., 108, 8440,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2002JD002356, 2003. a
Kopp, M., Gerding, M., Höffner, J., and Lübken, F.-J.: Tidal
signatures in temperatures derived from daylight lidar soundings above
Kühlungsborn (54∘ N, 12∘ E), J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr.
Phy., 127, 37–50, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2014.09.002, 2015. a
Leslie, R. C.: Sky glows, Nature, 32, 245 pp., 1885. a
Lübken, F.-J.: Thermal structure of the arctic summer mesosphere, J.
Geophys. Res., 104, 9135–9149, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999JD900076, 1999. a
Lübken, F.-J., Höffner, J., Viehl, T. P., Kaifler, B., and Morris,
R. J.: First measurements of thermal tides in the summer mesopause region at
Antarctic latitudes, Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L24806,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL050045, 2011. a
Merkel, A. W., Thomas, G. E., Palo, S. E., and Bailey, S. M.: Observations
of the 5-day planetary wave in PMC measurements from the Student Nitric
Oxide Explorer satellite, Geophys. Res. Lett., 30, 1196,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2002GL016524, 2003. a
Murphy, D. J., Forbes, J. M., Walterscheid, R. L., Hagan, M. E., Avery,
S. K., Aso, T., Fraser, G. J., Fritts, D. C., Jarvis, M. J., McDonald, A. J.,
Riggin, D. M., Tsutsumi, M., and Vincent, R. A.: A climatology of tides in
the Antarctic mesosphere and lower thermosphere, J. Geophys. Res., 111,
D23104, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005JD006803, 2006. a
Paulino, A. R., Batista, P. P., and Batista, I. S.: A global view of the
atmospheric lunar tide, J. Geophys. Res., 118, 13128–13139,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2013JD019818, 2013. a, b
Pedatella, N. M., Liu, H.-L., and Richmond, A. D.: Atmospheric semidiurnal
lunar tide climatology simulated by the Whole Atmosphere Community
Climate Model, J. Geophys. Res., 117, A06327, https://doi.org/10.1029/2012JA017792,
2012. a
Russell III, J. M., Rong, P., Hervig, M. E., Siskind, D. E., Stevens,
M. H., Bailey, S. M., and Gumbel, J.: Analysis of northern midlatitude
noctilucent cloud occurrences using satellite data and modeling, J. Geophys.
Res., 119, 3238–3250, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013JD021017, 2014. a
Sabine, E.: On the lunar atmospheric tide at St. Helena, Philos. T. Roy.
Soc., 137, 45–50, 1847. a
Schmidt, F., Baumgarten, G., Berger, U., Fiedler, J., and Lübken, F.-J.:
Local time dependence of polar mesospheric clouds: a model study, Atmos.
Chem. Phys., 18, 8893–8908, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-8893-2018, 2018. a
She, C.-Y., Chen, S., Williams, B. P., Hu, Z., Krueger, D. A., and Hagan,
M. E.: Tides in the mesopause region over Fort Collins, Colorado
(41∘ N, 105∘ W) based on lidar temperature observations
covering full diurnal cycles, J. Geophys. Res., 107, 4350,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2001JD001189, 2002. a
Stening, R. J.: A diurnal modulation of the lunar tide in the upper
atmosphere, Geophys. Res. Lett., 16, 307–310, https://doi.org/10.1029/GL016i004p00307,
1989. a
Stening, R. J. and Vincent, R. A.: A Measurement of Lunar Tides in the
Mesosphere at Adelaide, South Australia, J. Geophys. Res., 94, 10121–10129,
1989. a
Stening, R. J., Meek, C. E., and Manson, A. H.: Lunar Tidal Winds in
the Upper Atmosphere (78–105 km) at Saskatoon, Canada, J. Atmos.
Sci., 44, 1143–1151, 1987. a
Stevens, M. H., Englert, C., Hervig, M., Petelina, S. V., Singer, W., and
Nielsen, K.: The diurnal variation of polar mesospheric cloud frequency near
55∘ N observed by SHIMMER, J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phy., 71,
401–407, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2008.10.009, 2009. a
Stevens, M. H., Siskind, D. E., Eckermann, S. D., Coy, L., McCormack, J. P.,
Englert, C. R., Hoppel, K. W., Nielsen, K., Kochenash, A. J., Hervig, M. E.,
Randall, C. E., Lumpe, J., Bailey, S. M., Rapp, M., and Hoffmann, P.:
Tidally induced variations of polar mesospheric cloud altitudes and ice
water content using a data assimilation system, J. Geophys. Res., 115,
D18209, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JD013225, 2010. a
Stevens, M. H., Liebermann, R. S., Siskind, D. E., McCormack, J. P., Hervig,
M. E., and Englert, C. R.: Periodicities of polar mesospheric clouds
inferred from a meteorological analysis and forecast system, J. Geophys.
Res., 122, 4508–4527, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JD025349, 2017. a, b
Thomas, G. E., McPeters, R. D., and Jensen, E. J.: Satellite observations
of polar mesospheric clouds by Solar Backscattered Ultraviolet spectral
radiometer: Evidence of a solar cycle dependence, J. Geophys. Res., 96,
927–939, https://doi.org/10.1029/90JD02312, 1991. a
von Cossart, G., Fiedler, J., and von Zahn, U.: Size distributions of NLC
particles as determined from 3-color observations of NLC by ground-based
lidar, Geophys. Res. Lett., 26, 1513–1516, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999GL900226, 1999. a
von Savigny, C., Lednyts'kyy, O., Forbes, J. M., and Zhang, X.: Lunar
semidiurnal tide in the terrestrial airglow, Geophys. Res. Lett., 42,
3553–3559, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL063567, 2015. a
von Zahn, U., von Cossart, G., Fiedler, J., and Rees, D.: Tidal
variations of noctilucent clouds measured at 69∘ N latitude by
groundbased lidar, Geophys. Res. Lett., 25, 1289–1292,
https://doi.org/10.1029/98GL00546, 1998. a, b
Witt, G.: Height, structure and displacements of noctilucent clouds,
Tellus, 14, 1–18, 1962. a
Short summary
Ice particles of noctilucent clouds (NLCs) are used as a tracer to investigate tidal signatures in the altitude range from 80 to 90 km. For the first time solar and lunar tidal parameters in NLCs were determined simultaneously from the same data set. Solar variations are dominated by diurnal and semidiurnal tidal components. For NLC occurrence the lunar semidiurnal amplitude is approx. 50 % of the solar semidiurnal amplitude. Phases of solar components indicate upward propagating tides.
Ice particles of noctilucent clouds (NLCs) are used as a tracer to investigate tidal signatures...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint