Mesospheric Gravity Wave Momentum Flux Associated With a Large Thunderstorm Complex
S. M. Smith, Martin Setvák, Y. Beletsky, Jeffrey Baumgardner, M. Mendillo
Abstract
Abstract We report on estimates of the vertical flux of horizontal momentum associated with an extensive and bright mesospheric gravity wave event that occurred over the El Leoncito Observatory, Argentina (31.8°S, 69.3°W), during the night of 17–18 March 2016. Using a combination of ground‐based and space‐based data sources, we propose that the event was generated by a large and distant thunderstorm complex located to the southeast of the observation site. The nightglow, including the wave structures, was easily visible to naked eye observers, a phenomenon known as a Bright Night. Such “extreme events” illuminate the important role of upward coupling in space weather research.