Atmospheric waveguide

An atmospheric waveguide is an atmospheric flow feature that improves the propagation of certain atmospheric waves.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

The effect arises because wave parameters such as group velocity or vertical wavenumber depend on mean flow direction and strength. Thus, for instance, westerlies might be a good waveguide for eastward-traveling waves, but might strongly dissipate westward-traveling waves, by increasing or decreasing their vertical wavenumber, respectively. Modification of the waves' group velocity will change their meridional propagation speed, directing them more polewards or more equatorwards.