SOLITARY WAVES IN THE ATMOSPHERE

The weakly nonlinear theory for internal solitary waves is reviewed an d theoretical results of the vertical and horizontal structure of temp erature, vertical displacements, and vertical and horizontal perturbat ions to the wind field associated with steadily propagating solitary w aves are presented in two idealized atmospheric configurations. One co nfiguration is representative of solitary waves observed in the lower troposphere and the other of solitary waves that occupy the entire tro posphere. The important results of the theory are presented in a form that can be readily used by observationalists. The results obtained ar e then analyzed using actual rawinsonde data for two well-documented o bservations of atmospheric solitary waves, which are analogous to the two idealized configurations. The importance and difficulties of prope rly identifying the waveguide within which the solitary wave is confin ed are discussed. The fundamental role of a critical level in ducting the disturbances and thus in defining the thickness of the waveguide i s illustrated in the example dealing with the solitary wave occupying the entire troposphere. Together, these two examples illustrate the de cisions and compromises that must be made in applying the theory to th e real atmosphere.