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Boundary-Layer Processes Hindering Contemporary Numerical Weather Prediction Models

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Abstract

Time integration of the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations is the principal approach used in numerical weather prediction. This approach represents a balanced compromise between accuracy and computational cost. The URANS equations require the flow to be decomposed into an ensemble mean and excursions that are presumed to be entirely related to turbulence, thereby enabling conventional closure schemes to be used to describe their statistics. Implicit in such a decomposition is the assumption of a spectral gap between the unsteadiness in the mean flow and the scales of turbulence. Modelling challenges arise when some of the unresolved fluctuations are related to non-turbulent, structured motions that can also blur the spectral gap and render conventional closure schemes ineffective. This work seeks to clarify modelling issues that occur when unresolved fluctuations include submesoscale motions and persistent secondary circulations related to surface heterogeneities. Because submeso motions and persistent secondary circulations are not random, new theoretical tactics are discussed to represent their effects on URANS transport. By reviewing the interpretation of fluctuating terms in the URANS equations, we suggest the use of large-eddy simulations, direct numerical simulations and field measurements to guide the development of closure schemes that explicitly include fluxes due to submeso motions and persistent secondary circulations.

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Data Availibility

The data used in the manuscript is minimal and comes mostly from previous publications, as indicated through corresponding citations where used. Data from the numerical simulations could be made available upon direct request to the authors.

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Acknowledgements

Marc Calaf and Eric Pardyjak are thankful for the support of the National Science Foundation Grant PDM-1649067. Marc Calaf is also thankful for the support of the National Science Foundation Grant PDM-1712538 and the support of the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung/Foundation, Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers, during the sabbatical year at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Campus Alpine in Garmisch-Partenkrichen. Nikki Vercauteren and Vyacheslav Boyko acknowledge funding by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) through Grant Number VE 933/2-2. Marco G. Giometto acknowledges the Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Department at Columbia University for start-up funds. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    Marc Calaf, Travis J. Morrison, Fabien Margairaz & Eric R. Pardyjak

  2. Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Nikki Vercauteren

  3. Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Nikki Vercauteren & Vyacheslav Boyko

  4. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

    Gabriel G. Katul

  5. Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Columbia University, New York, USA

    Marco G. Giometto

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Calaf, M., Vercauteren, N., Katul, G.G. et al. Boundary-Layer Processes Hindering Contemporary Numerical Weather Prediction Models. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 186, 43–68 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10546-022-00742-5

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