Prevailing winds in the mesosphere?

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In summary, the conversation discussed the search for information on global maps with the direction and speeds of prevailing winds in the mesosphere. The conversation suggested using a global map of wind, weather, and ocean conditions, but it only covers up to 30 km. Other suggestions included checking the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder and using Google Scholar to find models on prevailing mesospheric winds.
  • #1
xpell
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Hi! Please, does anyone know where could I find information or (ideally) global maps with the direction and speeds of the prevailing winds in the mesosphere (if any)? As much as I've tried to, I've been unable to find any source providing this information. Thank you in advance!
 
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  • #3
CapnGranite said:
https://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/surface/level/orthographic=-105.00,0.00,299
This is a global map of wind, weather and ocean conditions. You can choose the global projection and the height of the winds in terms of hPa. I'm not sure it has coverage that high up, but it might.
Thank you very much, CapnGranite. This is certainly a great tool, but unfortunately it only reaches a height of 10 hPa, which is approx. 30 km, well below the stratopause and the mesosphere. :frown: I need to go higher...
 
  • #5
Bystander said:
Yes, I did that, but I'm still unable to see a worldwide map of prevailing directions/speeds (like the one CapnGranite provided for lower altitudes, if not necessarily so sophisticated.) Maybe it's just me being unable to interpret these data, but I "can't see" the mesospheric winds from point A to point B.

To put it in other words: an atom of nitrogen right now 75 km above Manhattan (or Managua, or Madrid, or Madagascar...), where will it tend to be tomorrow (or in a week)?
 
  • #6
Not simple. AFAICT, there really are none like what occurs down lower.
Example: This is behind a paywall but does present 'prevailing winds' in a model: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00585-000-0300-y

If you use google scholar and ' prevailing mesospheric winds' you get hits. Most appear to be models. You decide what fits your needs.
 
  • #7
You might see what the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder might have.
the http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/
 
  • #8
CapnGranite said:
You might see what the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder might have.
the http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/
jim mcnamara said:
Not simple. AFAICT, there really are none like what occurs down lower.
Example: This is behind a paywall but does present 'prevailing winds' in a model: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00585-000-0300-y

If you use google scholar and ' prevailing mesospheric winds' you get hits. Most appear to be models. You decide what fits your needs.
Thank you both very much. I'll try and see if I can get a general idea of the "mesospheric circulation"...
 

1. What are prevailing winds in the mesosphere?

The mesosphere is the layer of the Earth's atmosphere located between the stratosphere and the thermosphere. Prevailing winds in the mesosphere refer to the dominant patterns of wind flow within this layer of the atmosphere.

2. How are prevailing winds in the mesosphere formed?

Prevailing winds in the mesosphere are primarily formed by global circulation patterns, temperature gradients, and the rotation of the Earth. The Coriolis effect also plays a significant role in shaping these winds.

3. What is the direction of prevailing winds in the mesosphere?

The direction of prevailing winds in the mesosphere varies depending on location, but they generally flow from west to east in the mid-latitudes and from east to west near the poles. In the equatorial regions, prevailing winds tend to flow in an eastward direction.

4. How strong are prevailing winds in the mesosphere?

Prevailing winds in the mesosphere are typically much weaker than winds in the lower layers of the atmosphere. They can range from 10-50 meters per second, which is significantly slower than winds in the troposphere and stratosphere.

5. What is the significance of prevailing winds in the mesosphere?

Prevailing winds in the mesosphere play an important role in the global climate system and can impact weather patterns on Earth's surface. They also affect the movement of atmospheric pollutants and can impact the flight paths of aircrafts in the upper atmosphere.

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