Photochemical Destabilization of Gravity Waves near the Mesopause

Abstract

A number of possible interaction mechanisms between internal gravity waves and radiative and photochemical processes at altitudes from 80 to 120 km are considered. The heat of recombination of atomic oxygen and absorption of solar radiation by ozone are both found to contribute to wave amplification. Growth rates are slow under normal conditions but can become significant if the atomic oxygen concentration below 100 km is increased above its normal values. This could be brought about by large-scale descending motion or by increased mixing near the mesopause.