Skip to main content
Log in

Modelling the mean and turbulent structure of the summertime Arctic cloudy boundary layer

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

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of modelling the summertime Arctic cloudy boundary layer. Specifically we consider the problem of multi-layered clouds in the boundary layer that includes the decoupling of the turbulence between upper and lower clouds. A high-resolution one-dimensional model with second-order turbulence closure and spectral radiative transfer is used to simulate a case study that was obtained during the 1980 Arctic Stratus Experiment. The effects of radiation, large-scale vertical motion and drizzle are investigated in sensitivity studies. Results of this study show that radiative transfer is important to the maintenance of the multiple cloud layers, and suggest that weak rising vertical motion is the most favorable situation to maintain two separate cloud layers.

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

  • ARCSS: 1993, ‘SHEBA: A Research Program on the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean’, Report No. 3, 34 pp.

  • Barker, E. H.: 1977, ‘A Maritime Boundary-Layer Model for the Prediction of Fog’,Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 11, 267–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brost, R. A., Wyngaard, J. C., Lenschow, D. H.: 1982, ‘Marine Stratocumulus Layers. Part II: Turbulence Budgets’,J. Atmos. Sci. 39, 818–836.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burk, S. D. and Thompson, W. T.: 1989, ‘A Vertically Nested Regional Numerical Weather Prediction Model with Second-Order Closure Physics’,Mon. Weath. Rev. 117, 2305–2323.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caughey, S. J., Crease, B. A., and Roach, W. T.: 1982, ‘A Field Study of Nocturnal Stratocumulus. I: Turbulence Structure and Entrainment’,Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 108, 125–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curry, J. A.: 1986, ‘Interactions Among Turbulence, Radiation and Microphysics in Arctic Stratus Clouds’,J. Atmos. Sci. 43, 90–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curry, J. A.: 1987, ‘The Contribution of Radiative Cooling to the Formation of Cold-Core Anticyclones’,J. Atmos. Sci. 44, 2575–2592.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curry, J. A. and Ebert, E. E.: 1990, ‘Sensitivity of the Thickness of Arctic Sea Ice to the Optical Properties of Clouds’,Ann. Glac. 14, 43–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curry, J. A. and Ebert, E. E.: 1992, ‘Annual Cycle of Radiation Fluxes over the Arctic Ocean: Sensitivity to Cloud Optical Properties’,J. Clin. 11, 1267–1280.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curry, J. A., Ebert, E. E., and Herman, G. F.: 1988, ‘Mean and Turbulence Strnucture of the Summertime Arctic Cloudy Boundary Layer’,Quart. J. Roy. Meteool. Soc. 114, 715–746.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curry, J. A. and Herman, G. F.: 1985, ‘Intrared Radiative Properties of Summertime Arctic Stratus Clouds’,J. Cli. App. Meteorol. 24, 525–538.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curry, J. A., Schramm, J. L., and Ebert, E. E.: 1993: Impact of Clouds on the Surface Radiation Balance of the Arctic Ocean’,Meteorol. Atmos. Phys. 51, 197–217.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curry, J. A., Schramm, J. L., and Ebert, E. E.: 1994, ‘Cloud-Radiation Feedback Processes in the Arctic’,J. Climate., submitted.

  • Finger, J. E. and Wendling, P.: 1990, ‘Turbulence Structure of Arctic Stratus Clouds Derived from Measurements and Calculations’,J. Atmos. Sci. 47, 1351–1373.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forkel, R. and Wendling, P.: 1986, ‘A Numerical Study of the Formation of Arctic Stratus Clouds with Consideration of Absorbing Aerosol Particles’,Meteorol. Rdsch. 39, 74–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herman, G. and Curry, J. A.: 1984, ‘Observational and Theoretical Studies of Solar Radiation in Arctic Stratus Clouds’,J. Climate Appl. Meteorol. 23, 5–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herman, G. and Goody, R.: 1976, ‘Formation and Persistence of Summertime Arctic Stratus Clouds’,J. Atmos. Sci. 33, 1537–1553.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manabe, S., Stoffer, R. J., Spelman, M. J., and Bryan, K.: 1991, ‘Transient Response of a Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Model of Sea Ice’,J. Geophys. Res. 76, 1550–1575.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mellor, G. L. and Yamada, T.: 1974, ‘A Hierarchy of Turbulence Closure Models for Planetary Boundary Layers’,J. Atmos. Sci. 31, 1791–1806.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mellor, G. L. and Yamada, T.: 1982, ‘Development of a Turbulence Closure Model for Geophysical Fluid Problems’,Rev. Geophys. Space Phys. 20, 851–875.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morcrette, J.-J.: 1991, ‘Radiation and Cloud Radiative Properties in the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts Forecasting System’,J. Geophys. Res. 96, 9121–9132.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicholls, S.: 1984, ‘The Dynamics of Stratocumulus: Aircraft Observations and Comparisons with a Mixed Layer Model’,Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 110, 783–820.

    Google Scholar 

  • Randall, D. A., Abeles, J. A., and Corsetti, T. G.: 1985, ‘Seasonal Simulations of the Planetary Boundary Layer and Boundary-Layer Stratocumulus Clouds with a General Circulation Model’,J. Atmos. Sci. 42, 641–676.

    Google Scholar 

  • Royer, J. R., Planton, S., and Deque, M.: 1990, ‘A Sensitivity Experiment for the Removal of Arctic Sea Ice with the French Spectral General Circulation Model’,Clim. Dyn 5, 1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sommeria, G. and Deardorff, J. W.: 1977, ‘Subgrid-Scale Condensation in Models of Nonprecipitating Clouds’,J. Atmos. Sci. 34, 344–355.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsay, S.-C. and Jayaweera, K.: 1984, ‘Physical Characteristics of Arctic Stratus Clouds’,J. Climate Appl. Meteorol. 23, 584–596.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yamada, T. and Mellor, G.: 1979, ‘A Numerical Simulation of BOMEX using a Turbulence Closure Model Coupled with Ensemble Cloud Relations’,Quart. J. Roy. Meteorol. Soc. 105, 915–944.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mcinnes, K.L., Curry, J.A. Modelling the mean and turbulent structure of the summertime Arctic cloudy boundary layer. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 73, 125–143 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00708933

Download citation

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00708933

Keywords

Navigation