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 wave-like structures with intrinsic angular frequencies ranging 3.3 – 4.2 x 10-2 s-1 at altitudes within 18-20 km. The results of the wind data analysis presented here can be compared to results produced by wavelet analysis to either confirm or deny the generation of an eclipse-induced gravity-wave. Identifying the wave’s structure would aid in wave prediction software to improve weather forecast models.

How to Cite:

Stocker, K. R. & Fowler, J., (2017) “Internal-Gravity Waves Observed During the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse by National Eclipse Radiosonde Campaign”, Academic High Altitude Conference 2017(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ahac.3453