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A bulk model for the atmospheric planetary boundary layer

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Abstract

The integrated momentum and thermodynamic equations through the planetary boundary layer (PBL) are solved numerically to predict the mean changes of wind and potential temperature from which surface fluxes are computed using bulk transfer coefficients of momentum and heat. The second part of the study involves a formulation and testing of a PBL height model based on the turbulent energy budget equation where turbulent fluxes of wind and heat are considered as the source of energy. The model exhibits capability of predicting the PBL height development for both stable and unstable regimes of observed conditions. Results of the model agree favourably with those of Deardorff's (1974a) and Tennekes' (1973) models in convective conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Meteorology, University of Stockholm, Arrhenius Laboratory, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden

    Mohamed S. Smeda

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  1. Mohamed S. Smeda
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Contribution number 396.

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Smeda, M.S. A bulk model for the atmospheric planetary boundary layer. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 17, 411–427 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00118608

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00118608

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