Tropospheric gravity waves: Their detection by and influence on rawinsonde balloon data

In this paper we discuss the interaction of a tropospheric gravity wave, detected by a radar and a microbarograph array, with a normal rawinsonde balloon. By calculating the wave properties and comparing them to balloon data, we show that such data can provide information about tropospheric gravity waves. We also draw attention to the consequences of the wave-induced differences between the measured and the actual background state of the atmosphere. The differences may be critical, for example, in predicting clear air turbulence and in evaluating remote sensing instrumentation.