Author Information

Katherine StockerFollow

Start Date

28-10-2017 10:00 AM

End Date

28-10-2017 10:15 AM

Abstract

Internal gravity waves are oscillations of a fluid parcel about an equilibrium level generated by a buoyancy force when the stability of the fluid medium is disrupted. Such a disturbance occurs from the obstruction of solar irradiance during a solar eclipse and may generate a gravity wave that can be detected using radiosondes. In this study, surface and upper air measurements made from a series of radiosondes launched throughout the duration of the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse over the US as part of the National Eclipse Ballooning Project are examined for eclipse-induced gravity-wave activity. Preliminary results of radiosonde wind data collected throughout the eclipse from multiple sites within the path of totality in Wyoming reveal the generation of waves with intrinsic angular frequencies in the range 3.3 – 4.2 x 10-2 s-1 at altitudes of approximately 19 km.

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Oct 16 2017

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Oct 28th, 10:00 AM Oct 28th, 10:15 AM

Internal-Gravity Waves Observed During the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse by National Eclipse Radiosonde Campaign

Internal gravity waves are oscillations of a fluid parcel about an equilibrium level generated by a buoyancy force when the stability of the fluid medium is disrupted. Such a disturbance occurs from the obstruction of solar irradiance during a solar eclipse and may generate a gravity wave that can be detected using radiosondes. In this study, surface and upper air measurements made from a series of radiosondes launched throughout the duration of the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse over the US as part of the National Eclipse Ballooning Project are examined for eclipse-induced gravity-wave activity. Preliminary results of radiosonde wind data collected throughout the eclipse from multiple sites within the path of totality in Wyoming reveal the generation of waves with intrinsic angular frequencies in the range 3.3 – 4.2 x 10-2 s-1 at altitudes of approximately 19 km.