Lidar measurements of Antarctica gravity waves in relation to the stratospheric polar vortex

Kurzfassung

Lidar measurements of atmospheric temperature in the middle atmosphere are obtained using ground-, balloon- and airborne platforms. Perturbations in temperature are interpreted as atmospheric gravity waves with typically increasing amplitudes with height. Gravity waves transport energy and momentum and interact with the background wind, driving atmospheric circulation. An overview of gravity wave measurements from past field campaigns in Antarctica are given, and differences of gravity wave characteristics with respect to potential sources like orography or the stratospheric polar vortex are discussed. Over the southern Andes, a superposition of mountain waves with high amplitudes and different scales is commonly observed. At the South Pole, continuous inertia-gravity waves of lower amplitude are typical. We present plans for the lidar aircraft campaign WAVEGUIDE scheduled to take place in the European Arctic in December 2026. It will specifically target gravity wave dynamics in a polar environment. Scientific objectives related to gravity waves generated at the polar vortex edge and secondary gravity waves are explained and planned flight patterns shown. Contributions from the scientific community with observational data or modelling efforts is welcome.