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Some turbulence characteristics of convectively mixed layers over rugged and homogeneous terrain

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Abstract

Turbulence characteristics of convectively mixed layers over rugged and homogenous terrain are presented, and their differences are sought. The data used in the study were obtained from aircraftborne instruments. Apart from statistics related to the mixing ratio q, there does not seem to be a marked difference between the two sets of data. This lack of difference is attributed to the degree of ruggedness of the terrain and the dominant wind direction. The behaviour of some statistics related to q is attributed to the entrainment effect of the unstable layer of the moist, cool air above the mixed layer.

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This work was initiated and a large part of it was completed while all three authors were with CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation), Australia.

Formerly at: Division of Atmospheric Research, CSIRO, Epping, NSW, Australia.

Formerly at: Division of Mathematics and Statistics, CSIRO, Lindfield, NSW, Australia.

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Huynh, B.P., Coulman, C.E. & Turner, T.R. Some turbulence characteristics of convectively mixed layers over rugged and homogeneous terrain. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 51, 229–254 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00122139

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