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On fitting the log-linear model to wind speed and temperature profiles over a melting glacier

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Abstract

The profile structure of wind speed and temperature in katabatic flow over a melting glacier is analyzed within the log-linear framework. Similarity between windspeed and temperature profiles is indicated but the log-linear model should be restricted to heights within 1.5 m of the ice. Marked deviation from the model occur at greater heights, probably due to the effects of flux divergence.

Unlike results from other stable atmospheres, a decreases with increasing stability. This may arise from the use of the Obukhov length L. When the height H at which the wind speed reaches its maximum value is used instead, α does not vary with stability. It has mean values of 4.5 and 4.3 for windspeed and temperature profiles, respectively.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    D. S. Munro

  2. McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada

    J. A. Davies

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  1. D. S. Munro
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  2. J. A. Davies
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Munro, D.S., Davies, J.A. On fitting the log-linear model to wind speed and temperature profiles over a melting glacier. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 15, 423–437 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00120604

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00120604

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