ATMOSPHERIC OSCILLATIONS AND THE TEMPERATURE PROFILE OF THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE

Abstract

A linearized dynamical theory of the tides is invoked to account for the observed magnification of the surface-pressure oscillations with periods of 12 and 10.5 hrs. The fundamental equations of the problem are set up, and their boundary conditions are discussed for different assumed types of atmosphere. Numerical and mechanical integration of these equations is undertaken on the basis of suitable continuous temperature profiles of the terrestrial atmosphere. It is found that both the standard National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics profile as well as the V-2 profile are inadequate to account for the observed dynamical properties of the atmosphere; but another mean profile is established which agrees with the direct temperature measurements in the lower atmosphere, is consistent with the results pertaining to the upper atmosphere within the limits of their uncertainty, and, in addition, leads to sufficiently large pressure oscillations with periods of 12 and 10.8 hrs. Surface-pressure oscillations are found to be very sensitive to any change in the temperature maximum around 50 km, less so for changes in the minimum around 80 km, and are affected but little by any change in the temperature gradient at altitudes above 90 km.