MF radar observations of mean winds and tides over Poker Flat, Alaska (65.1° N, 147.5° W)
Résumé
The mean wind characteristics observed are fairly consistent with previous wind measurements by the Poker Flat MST radar. The main feature of the zonal circulation is the annual variation with summer westward flow and winter eastward flow. The annual mean zonal wind has a west-ward motion at altitudes below 90 km. The annual mean meridional circulation has mainly southward motion at 70?100 km. There is very good agreement between the radar zonal winds and the HWM93 model winds. Comparison of the meridional winds shows some discrepancy. Analysis of two years of data indicated that the year-to-year consistency is preserved in the mean circulation in the mesosphere.
Tidal characteristics observed are also consistent with previous measurements. Semidiurnal tides have the largest amplitudes in summer while the weakest amplitude is observed during the winter months. The vertical wavelength is longer during the summer season compared to the winter season. Comparison with the GSWM00 produces mixed results. There is reasonable agreement between the observed and modeled phases. Diurnal tide amplitudes are comparable in magnitude with that of the semidiurnal tide. Seasonal variation is less evident in the amplitudes. Comparison of the observed tidal parameters with the GSWM00 reveals some agreement and discrepancies.