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A note on free convection

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Abstract

The limiting condition of µ*, →0 in the unstable atmospheric boundary layer is usually referred to as ‘free convection’. Some of the similarity laws that are proposed for this condition do not agree with experiment. A mechanism is proposed in this paper to show why the asymptotic free convection condition is never completely reached near the surface. It is shown that local turbulent shear production plays an important role in shaping the temperature profile even when the average velocity is zero.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA

    J. A. Businger

Authors
  1. J. A. Businger
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Additional information

Contribution No. 267, Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington.

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Businger, J.A. A note on free convection. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 4, 323–326 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02265241

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02265241

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