Medium-scale thermospheric gravity waves in the high-resolution Whole Atmosphere Model: Seasonal, local time, and longitudinal variations [Dataset]

Gravity waves (GWs) are the buoyancy-driven waves in the Earth's atmosphere with periods ranging from few minutes to a few hours. These waves are generated by various processes and play an important role in coupling different regions and layers of the atmosphere. In this study, we use a global high-resolution whole atmosphere model that spans the Earth's atmosphere from the surface to the thermospheric and ionospheric heights of ~600 km. We investigate the seasonal climatology of GWs in the troposphere, stratosphere and thermosphere generated in the model and find that it agrees with previous knowledge from observations and models. We also find that the thermospheric GW activity in the model depends on local time and longitude signifying its interaction with atmospheric tides. Specifically, we observe a wavenumber-4 in the crests and troughs of GW activity around the equator during daytime, which is a signature of non-migrating tides modulating the propagation of GWs. This hasn't been observed before and elucidates the importance of high-resolution whole atmosphere models in advancing the knowledge of upper atmospheric physics.