Skip to main content
Log in

The effect of grid resolution upon the numerical modelling of the convective boundary layer

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

Abstract

A study has been made of the effects of varying the (uniform) grid resolution of a one-dimensional finite-difference numerical model of the dry convective boundary layer. The resolution of the inversion at the top of the boundary layer, and representation of the entrainment at the inversion, are found to influence the development of the momentum and buoyancy flux profiles. The modelled change in potential energy in a developing mixed layer is used to define a mixed layer scale, h m, which is found to vary systematically with resolution. The discretization errors (which can be large for resolutions poorer than a few tens of metres, particularly in the early stages of mixed-layer development) are quantified.

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

Access this article

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

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • André, J.-C.: 1985, Multi-Level Boundary Layer Schemes, ECMWF Seminar on Physical Parametrization, ECMWF, Reading, 33–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anthes, R. A., Seaman, N. L., and Warner, T. T.: 1980, ‘Comparisons of Numerical Simulations of the Planetary Boundary Layer by a Mixed-Layer and a Multi-Level Model’, Monthly Wea. Rev. 108, 365–376.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arakawa, A.: 1984, Parametrization of the Planetary Boundary Layer, Programme for Short/Medium Range Weather Prediction Research, Pub. Series 13, TD No 19, Part III, World Meteorol. Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 435–452.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carson, D. J.: 1973, ‘The Development of a Dry Inversion Capped Convectively Unstable Boundary Layer’, Quart. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 99, 450–467.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caughey, S. J. and Palmer, S. G.: 1979, ‘Some Aspects of Turbulence Structure through the Depth of the Convective Boundary Layer’, Quart. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 105, 811–827.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, R. H., Dyer, A. J., Brook, R. R., Reid, D. G., and Troup, A. J.: 1971, ‘The Wangara Experiment: Boundary Layer Data’, CSIRO Div. of Meteorol. Phys., Tech. Paper No 19, 340 pp.

  • Deardorff, J. W.: 1972, ‘Numerical Investigation of Neutral and Unstable Boundary Layers’, J. Atmos. Sci. 29, 91–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deardorff, J. W.: 1974a, ‘Three-Dimensional Numerical Study of the Height and Mean Structure of a Heated Planetary Boundary Layer’, Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 7, 81–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deardorff, J. W.: 1974b, ‘Three-Dimensional Numerical Study of Turbulence in an Entraining Mixed Layer’, Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 7, 199–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deardorff, J. W.: 1985, ‘Mixed Layer Entrainment: a Review’, 7th Symposium on Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion, Boulder, Colorado, Nov. 1985, American Meteorol. Soc., Boston, Mass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Delage, Y.: 1986, ‘Surface Temperature Calculation in Atmospheric Circulation Models with Coarse Resolution of the Boundary Layer’, Monthly Wea. Rev. 114, 442–451.

    Google Scholar 

  • Driedonks, A. G. M.: 1985, ‘Bulk Boundary Layer Schemes’, ECMWF Seminar on Physical Parametrization, ECMWF, Reading, 53–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanson, H. P.: 1982, ‘Notes on Mixed Layer Entrainment Closure’, J. Atmos. Sci. 39, 470–473.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hicks, B. B.: 1976, ‘Wind Profile Relationships from the ‘Wangara’ Experiment’, Quart. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 102, 535–551.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaimal, J. C., Wyngaard, J. C., Haugen, D. A., Coté, O. R., Izumi, Y., Caughey, S. J., and Readings, C. J.: 1976, ‘Turbulence Structure in the Convective Boundary Layer’, J. Atmos. Sci. 33, 2152–2169.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kamada, R. F.: 1985, ‘An Entrainment Model of the Convective Boundary Layer at High Resolution’, 7th Symposium on Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion, Boulder, Colorado, Nov. 1985, American Meteorol. Soc., Boston, Mass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kraus, H. and Schaller, E.: 1978, ‘Steady-State Characteristics of Inversions Capping a Well-Mixed Planetary Boundary Layer’, Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 14, 83–104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuettner, J. P., Hildebrand, P. A., and Clark, T. L.: 1987, ‘Convection Waves: Observations of Gravity Wave Systems over Convectively Active Boundary Layers’, Quart. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 113, 445–467.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kustas, W. P. and Brutsaert, W.: 1987, ‘Virtual Heat Entrainment in the Mixed Layer over Very Rough Terrain’, Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 38, 141–157.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenschow, D. H.: 1970, ‘Airplane Measurements of Planetary Boundary Layer Structure’, J. Appl. Meteorol. 9, 874–884.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mason, P. J. and Sykes, R. I.: 1982, ‘A Two-Dimensional Numerical Study of Horizontal Roll Vortices in an Inversion Capped Planetary Boundary Layer’, Quart. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 108, 801–823.

    Google Scholar 

  • Palmer, S. G., Caughey, S. J., and Whyte, K. W.: 1979, ‘An Observational Study of Entraining Convection Using Balloon-Borne Turbulence Probes and High-Power Doppler Radar’, Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 16, 261–278.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stage, S. A. and Businger, J. A.: 1981, ‘A Model for Entrainment into a Cloud-Topped Marine Boundary Layer. Part I: Model Description and Application to a Cold-Air Outbreak Episode’, J. Atmos. Sci. 38, 2213–2229.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, P. A. and Delage, Y.: 1971, ‘A Note on Finite-Difference Schemes for the Surface and Planetary Boundary Layers’, Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 2, 108–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tennekes, H.: 1973, ‘A Model for the Dynamics of the Inversion above a Convective Boundary Layer’, J. Atmos. Sci. 30, 558–567.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tennekes, H. and Driedonks, A. G. M.: 1981, ‘Basic Entrainment Equations for the Atmospheric Boundary Layer’, Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 20, 515–531.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, M. Y., Lenschow, D. H., Stankov, B. B., Kaimal, J. C. and Gaynor, J. E.: 1985, ‘Wave and Turbulence Structure in a Shallow Baroclinic Convective Boundary Layer and Overlying Inversion’, J. Atmos. Sci. 42, 47–57.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Maryon, R.H. The effect of grid resolution upon the numerical modelling of the convective boundary layer. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 46, 69–91 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00118447

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00118447

Keywords

Navigation