Exploring Antarctic Lidar Measurements to Investigate Gravity Wave Energy Dynamics

Lidar data collected above McMurdo Station, Antarctica over the past decade has captured valuable, high-resolution observations of atmospheric waves over a wide spectrum, ranging from turbulent to tidal frequencies. These measurements were captured by two adjacent lidar systems, one primarily probing atmospheric Na and the other atmospheric Fe. By utilizing these measurements of polar atmospheric gravity waves, we can study important dynamic processes in the polar middle and upper atmosphere affecting everything from chemistry to global mean-flow characteristics.
This study utilizes the unique lidar data of the McMurdo lidar campaign to explore gravity wave and turbulent processes. Expanding upon previous work, this study aims to improve our understanding of these gravity wave-related dynamics, which can help answer pressing questions about atmospheric constituent/heat fluxes and their relation to the strength and spectra of local gravity waves, as well as about the interaction of polar gravity waves with large-scale atmospheric flows. By employing proven methods alongside recently developed techniques which greatly enhance the viability of this study, various gravity wave properties are explored statistically and in case studies of individual observations.