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Abstract A new mixed scaling parameterZ=z/(Lh)1/2is proposed for similarity in the stable atmospheric surface layer, wherezis the height,Lis the Obukhov length, andhis the boundary layer depth. In comparison with the parameterζ=z/Lfrom Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST), the new parameterZleads to improved mean profile similarity for wind speed and air temperature in large-eddy simulations. It also yields the same linear similarity relation for CASES-99 field measurements, including in the strongly stable (but still turbulent) regime where large deviations from MOST are observed. Results further suggest that similarity for turbulent energy dissipation rate depends on bothZandζ. The proposed mixed scaling ofZand relevance ofhcan be explained by physical arguments related to the limit ofz-less stratification that is reached asymptotically above the surface layer. The presented evidence and fitted similarity relations are promising, but the results and arguments are limited to a small sample of idealized stationary stable boundary layers. Corroboration is needed from independent datasets and analyses, including for complex and transient conditions not tested here.
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Unmanned aerial vehicles reveal the impact of a total solar eclipse on the atmospheric surface layer
We use unmanned aerial vehicles to interrogate the surface layer processes during a solar eclipse and gain a comprehensive look at the changes made to the atmospheric surface layer as a result of the rapid change of insolation. Measurements of the atmospheric surface layer structure made by the unmanned systems are connected to surface measurements to provide a holistic view of the impact of the eclipse on the near-surface behaviour, large-scale turbulent structures and small-scale turbulent dynamics. Different regimes of atmospheric surface layer behaviour were identified, with the most significant impact including the formation of a stable layer just after totality and evidence of Kelvin–Helmholtz waves appearing at the interface between this layer and the residual layer forming above it. The decrease in surface heating caused a commensurate decrease in buoyant turbulent production, which resulted in a rapid decay of the turbulence in the atmospheric surface layer both within the stable layer and in the mixed layer forming above it. Significant changes in the wind direction were imposed by the decrease in insolation, with evidence supporting the formation of a nocturnal jet, as well as backing of the wind vector within the stable layer.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1351411
- PAR ID:
- 10183326
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
- Volume:
- 475
- Issue:
- 2229
- ISSN:
- 1364-5021
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 20190212
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2019.0212
