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- For the concept in physics, see gravitational radiation.
In fluid dynamics, gravity waves are those generated in a fluid medium or on an interface (e.g. the atmosphere or ocean) and having a restoring force of gravity or buoyancy.
When a fluid parcel is displaced on an interface or internally to a region with a different density, gravity restores the parcel toward equilibrium resulting in an oscillation about the equilibrium state. Gravity waves on an air-sea interface are called surface gravity waves or surface waves while internal gravity waves are called internal waves.
Atmosphere dynamics on Earth
Since the fluid is a continuous medium, a traveling disturbance will result. In the earth's atmosphere, gravity waves are important for transferring momentum from the troposphere to the mesosphere. Gravity waves are generated in the troposphere by frontal systems or by airflow over mountains. At first waves propagate through the atmosphere without affecting its mean velocity. But as the waves reach more rarefied air at higher altitudes, their amplitude increases, and nonlinear effects cause the waves to break, transferring their momentum to the mean flow.This process plays a key role in controlling the dynamics of the middle atmosphere.
References and external links
- Dr. Steven Koch, Hugh D. Cobb, III and Neil A. Stuart, "Notes on Gravity Waves - Operational Forecasting and Detection of Gravity Waves Weather and Forecasting". NOAA, Eastern Region Site Server.
- Gill, A. E., "Gravity wave". Atmosphere Ocean Dynamics, Academic Press, 1982.
- Gallery of cloud gravity waves over Iowa
"Gravity wave"