Observations of a mountain-wave event over the Pyrenees

K. P. Hoinka
1986 Tellus: Series A, Dynamic Meteorology and Oceanography  
An analysis of data obtained liom instrumented aircraft is performed. These data were gathered on flights in a mountain wave above the Pyrenees during ALPEX on March 23, 1982. The observed two-and three-dimensional thermal and dynamical structure of the flow is presented. Beneath 7 km altitude. strong three-dimensional response in the atmosphere can be seen in the wind and temperature fields. It appears that the response is almost two-dimensional above this height. Rather pronounced lee waves
more » ... e found in the lower troposphere. Moreover, a mountain wave with moderate amplitude is apparent, which becomes stronger with reversed phase near the tropopause. The phaselines 01' the waves are tilted vertically upstreamwards indicating downward flux of momentum. Another observed feature is the destabilization of the troposphere in the lee of the barrier. Emphasis is placed on the determination of the downward flux of momentum due to the waves.
doi:10.3402/tellusa.v38i1.11704 fatcat:sjfo74m7hfdiddfsu242pja7ei