Model evaluation of the atmospheric boundary layer and mixed-layer evolution
Journal
Boundary-Layer Meteorology
Date Issued
July 2007
DOI
10.1007/s10546-006-9146-5
Abstract
In the present study, an attempt is made to assess the atmospheric
boundary-layer (ABL) depth over an urban area, as derived from different ABL
schemes employed by the mesoscale model MM5. Furthermore, the relationship of
the mixing height, as depicted by the measurements, to the calculated ABL depth
or other features of the ABL structure, is also examined. In particular, the diurnal
evolution of ABL depth is examined over the greater Athens area, employing four
different ABL schemes plus a modified version, whereby urban features are considered.
Measurements for two selected days, when convective conditions prevailed
and a strong sea-breeze cell developed, were used for comparison. It was found that
the calculated eddy viscosity profile seems to better indicate the mixing height in
both cases, where either a deep convective boundary layer develops, or a more con-
fined internal boundary layer is formed. For the urban scheme, the incorporation of
both anthropogenic and storage heat release provides promising results for urban
applications.
boundary-layer (ABL) depth over an urban area, as derived from different ABL
schemes employed by the mesoscale model MM5. Furthermore, the relationship of
the mixing height, as depicted by the measurements, to the calculated ABL depth
or other features of the ABL structure, is also examined. In particular, the diurnal
evolution of ABL depth is examined over the greater Athens area, employing four
different ABL schemes plus a modified version, whereby urban features are considered.
Measurements for two selected days, when convective conditions prevailed
and a strong sea-breeze cell developed, were used for comparison. It was found that
the calculated eddy viscosity profile seems to better indicate the mixing height in
both cases, where either a deep convective boundary layer develops, or a more con-
fined internal boundary layer is formed. For the urban scheme, the incorporation of
both anthropogenic and storage heat release provides promising results for urban
applications.