Satellite Observation of Gravity Waves Excited by Tropical Cyclones Based on Multiple Low‐Light Satellites of Series

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Authors: Shensen Hu, Beimin Xiao, Weihua Ai, Yuan Wang
Cited by: 0
References: 33

Abstract

Abstract Tropical cyclones (TCs) are an important source of gravity waves, but the characteristics of TC‐generated gravity wave (TGW) remain poorly understood due to observational technique limitations, especially at mesospheric altitude. The Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership satellite equipped with a low‐light imager enables mesopause TGW observations over distant regions, complementing the limited ground‐based observations. However, a single polar satellite passes over once every night which fails to conduct continuous observations of the same gravity waves event. The launches of JPSS‐1 and JPSS‐2 permit multi‐satellite observations with enhanced temporal resolution. Our novel approach revealed a previously unreported stripes intersection in TGWs, which seems to contradict physical laws. This phenomenon is caused by location errors associated with the mesospheric altitude. Therefore, a parallax correction model is firstly performed for the precise location of mesopause gravity waves. Taking TC Bolaven (2023) and TC Krathon (2024) as examples, after correction, the wavelengths were similar, the central positions were almost overlapping and the stripes distribution conformed to the propagation characteristic. These validate the model effectiveness. Furthermore, to our knowledge, we report the first horizontal phase velocities for mesopause TGWs in distant ocean regions based on the multi‐satellite joint observation. With the launch of subsequent satellites, multi‐satellite joint observation will provide new opportunities for mesopause gravity wave propagation process.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Tropical and Extratropical Cyclones Research Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics Earthquake Detection and Analysis

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres
Volume
131
Issue
1
Publication date
3 January 2026
Language
EN