Observations and numerical simulations of inertia-gravity waves and shearing instabilities in the vicinity of a jet stream

Abstract

The characteristics and dynamics of inertia-gravity waves generated in the vicinity of an intense jet stream/upper-level frontal system on 18 February 2001 are investigated using observations from the NOAA Gulfstream-IV research aircraft and numerical simulations. Aircraft dropsonde observations and numerical simulations elucidate the detailed mesoscale structure of this system, including its associated inertia-gravity waves and clear-air turbulence. Results from a multiply nested numerical model show inertia-gravity wave development above the developing jet/front system. These inertia-gravity waves propagate through the highly sheared flow above the jet stream, perturb the background wind s..