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The Scaling Behaviour of a Turbulent Kinetic Energy Closure Model for Stably Stratified Conditions

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Abstract

We investigate the scaling behaviour of a turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) closure model for stably stratified conditions. The mixing length scale for stable stratification is proportional to the ratio of the square root of the TKE and the local Brunt–Väisälä frequency, which is a commonly applied formulation. We analyze the scaling behaviour of our model in terms of traditional Monin–Obukov Similarity Theory and local scaling. From the model equations, we derive expressions for the stable limit behaviour of the flux–gradient relations and other scaling quantities. It turns out that the scaling behaviour depends on only a few model parameters and that the results obey local scaling theory. The analytical findings are illustrated with model simulations for the second GABLS intercomparison study. We also investigate solutions for the case in which an empirical correction function is used to express the eddy diffusivity for momentum as a function of the Richardson number (i.e. an increasing turbulent Prandtl number with stability). In this case, it seems that for certain parameter combinations the model cannot generate a steady-state solution. At the same time, its scaling behaviour becomes unrealistic. This shows that the inclusion of empirical correction functions may have large and undesired consequences for the model behaviour.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Regional Climate Section, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, Wilhelminalaan 10, P.O. Box 201, 3730 AE, De Bilt, The Netherlands

    Peter Baas, Stephan R. de Roode & Geert Lenderink

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  1. Peter Baas
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  2. Stephan R. de Roode
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  3. Geert Lenderink
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Correspondence to Peter Baas.

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Baas, P., de Roode, S.R. & Lenderink, G. The Scaling Behaviour of a Turbulent Kinetic Energy Closure Model for Stably Stratified Conditions. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 127, 17–36 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10546-007-9253-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10546-007-9253-y

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