Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A One-Dimensional Finite-Element Boundary-Layer Model with a Vertical Adaptive Grid

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Boundary-Layer Meteorology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A one-dimensional atmospheric boundary-layer model is developed using the finite element method and a 1.5-order e-l turbulence closure scheme. A vertical adaptive strategy is implemented, based upon an heuristic error estimator that depends upon properties of the layer, such as the stratification. The model is used to simulate a moderately stratified stable boundary layer as described in the GABLS (GEWEX Atmospheric Boundary-Layer Study, where GEWEX is the Global Water and Energy Cycle Experiment) First Intercomparison Project, and then a more complicated diurnal cycle, as used in the GABLS Second Intercomparison Project. In the stable boundary-layer experiment, it is shown that including the adaptive strategy can improve the performance of the model such that the error in the model is significantly less (greater than an order of magnitude with an effective resolution of 8 m) than that of the model without adaptivity. The model’s turbulence closure scheme and the adaptivity strategy also successfully simulate the different stability regimes present in the diurnal cycle simulation, and represented all of the expected features.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andre JC, De Moor G, Therry G, Du Vachat R (1978) Modelling the 24-hour evolution of the mean and turbulent structures of the planetary boundary layer. J Atmos Sci 35: 1861–1883

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beare RJ, MacVean M, Holtslag A, Cuxart J, Esav I, Golaz J-C, Jimenez M, Khairoutdinov M, Kosovic B, Lewellen D, Lund T, Lundquist J, McCabe A, Moene A, Noh Y, Raasch S, Sullivan P (2005) An intercomparison of large-eddy simulations of the stable boundary layer. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 118(2): 247–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blackadar AK (1962) The vertical distribution of wind and turbulent exchange in a neutral atmosphere. J Geophys Res 67: 3095–3102

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burchard H, Beckers J-M (2004) Non-uniform adaptive vertical grids in one-dimensional numerical ocean models. Ocean Model 6: 51–81

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cuxart J, Holtslag A, Beare R, Bazile E, Beljaars A, Cheng A, Conangla L, Ek M, Freedman F, Hamdi R, Kerstein A, Kitagawa H, Lenderink G, Lewellen D, Mailhot J, Mauritsen T, Perov V, Schayes G, Steeneveld G-J, Svensson G, Taylor P, Weng W, Wunsch S, Xu K-M (2005) Single-column model intercomparison for a stably stratified atmospheric boundary layer. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 118(2): 273–303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dietachmayer G, Droegemeier KK (1992) Application of continuous dynamic grid adaption techniques to meteorological modelling: Part I: basic formulation and accuracy. Mon Wea Rev 120: 1675–1706

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fiedler BH (2002) Grid adaption and its effect on entrainment in an e-l model of the atmospheric boundary layer. Mon Wea Rev 130: 733–740

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fiedler BH, Trapp RJ (1993) A fast dynamic grid adaption scheme for meteorological flows. Mon Wea Rev 121: 2879–2888

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galperin B, Kantha LH, Hassid S, Rosati S (1988) A quasi-equilibrium turbulent energy model for geophysical flows. J Atmos Sci 45: 55–62

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanert E, Deleersnijder E, Legat V (2006) An adaptive finite element water column model using the Mellor-Yamada level 2.5 turbulence closure scheme. Ocean Model 12: 205–223

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanert E, Deleersnijder E, Blaise S, Remacle J-F (2007) Capturing the bottom boundary layer in finite element ocean models. Ocean Model 17: 153–162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holtslag B (2005) Preface: GEWEX Atmospheric Boundary Layer Study (GABLS) on stable boundary layers. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 118(2): 243–246

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jablonowski C (2004) Adaptive grids in weather and climate modelling. Ph.D. thesis, The University Of Michigan

  • Kosovic B, Curry JA (2000) A large-eddy simulation of a quasi-steady, stably-stratified atmospheric boundary layer. J Atmos Sci 57: 1052–1068

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu CH, Leung DYC (1998) Evaluation of an atmospheric boundary layer model used for air pollution studies. J Appl Meteorol 37: 1561–1576

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mellor GL, Yamada T (1974) A heirarchy of turbulence closure models for planetary boundary layers. J Atmos Sci 31: 1791–1806

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piggott MD, Pain CC, Gorman GJ, Power PW, Goddard AJH (2004) h, r and hr adaptivity with applications in numerical ocean modelling. Ocean Model 10: 95–113

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poulos SG, Blumen W, Fritts DC, Lundquist JK, Sun J, Burns SP, Nappo C, Banta R, Newsom R, Cuxart J, Terradellas E, Balsley B, Jensen M (2002) CASES-99: a comprehensive investigation of the stable nocturnal boundary layer. Bull Amer Meteorol Soc 83: 555–581

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steeneveld GJ, van de Wiel BJH, Holtslag AAM (2006) Modelling the evolution of the atmospheric boundary coupled to the land surface for three contrasting nights in CASES99. J Atmos Sci 63: 920–935

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Reading, UK

    T. M. Dunbar, E. Hanert & R. J. Hogan

Authors
  1. T. M. Dunbar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. E. Hanert
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. R. J. Hogan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to T. M. Dunbar.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Dunbar, T.M., Hanert, E. & Hogan, R.J. A One-Dimensional Finite-Element Boundary-Layer Model with a Vertical Adaptive Grid. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 128, 459–472 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10546-008-9297-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10546-008-9297-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation