Nonlinear theory of gravity waves and enhanced diffusion in the atmosphere

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Abstract
A nonlinear calculation is made of the saturated (self‐limited) fractional density fluctuation δρ/ρo of gravity waves. The result is δρ/ρo = (γ−1)/[1 + 0.4·γ²kz² H²Δ]½, γ = specific heats ratio, kz = vertical wave no., H= scale height, Δ ∞ spectral width of gravity waves. This calculation is based on a method developed for plasma waves. In addition, a calculation is made of the enhancement of atmospheric diffusion by finite amplitude gravity waves. It is shown that such diffusion is very much anisotropic and has the proper magnitude to explain some observations in the mesosphere.