Variability of gravity wave occurrence frequency and propagation direction in the upper mesosphere observed by the OH imager in Northern Colorado

Based on 5 years of OH imager data between September 2003 and September 2008 over Yucca Ridge Field Station, CO (40.7ºN, 104.9ºW), we presented the variation of gravity wave (GW) occurrence frequency and propagation direction in the upper mesosphere. In summer the GW occurrence frequency was extremely high at above 95% compared to other seasons (around 85%). The GW propagation direction showed a strong northward (poleward) preference in summer and a southward (equatorward) preference in winter. This could be possibly due to ducting of waves in the mesopause thermal structure and wave generation by the strong deep convection located at south side in summer and possible storms located at north side in winter. Westward traveling waves were rare, but eastward were frequent. In addition to seasonal variability, significant interannual variability was also observed.