Large Amplitude Dynamic Events Near the Mesopause Observed in Na Lidar Measured Wind, Temperature, and Density

Large amplitude dynamic events are frequently observed in the 85-105 km altitude region in data from Starfire, NM, Maui, HA, and Urbana, IL. Similar events at Maui have been analyzed by Larsen et al., [2004, J. Geophys. Res., 109, doi:10.1029/2002JF003067] and Hurd et al. [CEDAR poster, Utah, 2008] from Na lidar data. The events have a vertical extent of large temperature anomalies over 4-6 km, with a period of 3- 6 hours. All the events consist of a cold (upwelling) followed by a warm (downwelling) phase. Na density enhancements and depletions above the events as well as the horizontal winds provide insights into the cause for specific events (i.e. Li et al. , 2007, Investigation of a "wall" wave event, J. Geophys. Res., 112, doi10.1029/2006JD007213).