In-Situ Generation of Planetary Waves in the Mesosphere by Zonally Asymmetric Gravity Wave Drag: A Revisit

This study investigates the in-situ generation of planetary waves (PWs) by zonally asymmetric gravity wave drag (GWD) in the mesosphere using a fully nonlinear general circulation model extending to the lower thermosphere. To isolate the effects of GWD, we establish a highly idealized but efficient framework that excludes stationary PWs propagating from the troposphere and in-situ PWs generated by barotropic and baroclinic instabilities. The GWD is prescribed in a zonally sinusoidal form with a zonal wavenumber (ZWN) of either 1 or 2 in the lower mesosphere of the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitude. Our idealized simulations clearly show that zonally asymmetric GWD generates PWs by serving as a nonconservative source (Z′) of linearized disturbance quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity (q′). While Z′ initially amplifies PWs through enhancing q′ tendency, the subsequent zonal advection of q′ gradually balances with Z′, thereby attaining steady-state PWs. The GWD-induced PWs predominantly have the same ZWN as the applied GWD with minor contributions from higher ZWN components attributed to nonlinear processes. The amplitude of the induced PWs increases in proportion with the magnitude of the peak GWD, while it decreases in proportion to the square of ZWN. Moreover, the amplitude of PWs increases as the meridional range of GWD expands and as GWD shifts toward lower latitudes. These PWs deposit substantial positive Eliassen-Palm flux divergences (EPFD) of ∼30 m/s/day at their origin and negative EPFD of 5–10 m/s/day during propagation. In addition, the in situ PWs exhibit interhemispheric propagation following westerlies that extend into the Southern Hemisphere.