Tidal features in the upper-middle atmosphere

Abstract

Over the past thirty years there has been an increase in interest in atmospheric physics and atmospheric modelling. The Extended Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (Extended CMAM) is one of the first models of its kind to be developed. A large focus in this development is to examine and contrast particular aspects of the modelled motions against observations from ground based stations and satellites to evaluate how well the model simulates these motions. An additional focus in this project is to suggest features which have not yet been observed and to examine the physical processes operative in the atmosphere. Analysis of the Extended CMAM output has shown the presence of tidal signatures in the mesopause region (70krn-l 40km). This paper will summarize the Extended CMAM, provide some background on atmospheric tides and present various aspects of these tidal signatures.