Single-Column Model Intercomparison for a Stably Stratified Atmospheric Boundary Layer

The parameterization of the stably stratified atmospheric boundary layer is a difficult issue, having a significant impact on medium-range weather forecasts and climate integrations. To pursue this further, a moderately stratified Arctic case is simulated by nineteen single-column turbulence schemes. Statistics from a large-eddy simulation intercomparison made for the same case by eleven different models are used as a guiding reference. The single-column parameterizations include research and operational schemes from major forecast and climate research centres. Results from first-order schemes, a large number of turbulence kinetic energy closures, and other models were used. There is a large spread in the results; in general, the operational schemes mix over a deeper layer than the research schemes, and the turbulence kinetic energy and other higher-order closures give results closer to the statistics obtained from the large-eddy simulations. The sensitivities of the schemes to the parameters of their turbulence closures are partially explored.     

Synthetic-Eddy Method for Urban Atmospheric Flow Modelling

The computational fluid dynamics code Fluidity, with anisotropic mesh adaptivity, is used as a multi-scale obstacle-accommodating meteorological model. A novel method for generating realistic inlet boundary conditions based on the view of turbulence as a superposition of synthetic eddies is adopted. It is able to reproduce prescribed first-order and second-order one-point statistics and turbulence length scales. The aim is to simulate an urban boundary layer. The model is validated against two standard benchmark tests: a plane channel flow numerical simulation and a flow past a cube physical simulation. The performed large-eddy simulations are in good agreement with both reference models giving confidence that the model can be used to successfully simulate urban atmospheric flows.     

A comparison of local and non-local turbulence closure methods for the case of a cold air outbreak

Numerical experiments have shown that large-eddy-simulation models (LES) are able to reproduce the common features of convective boundary layers (CBL) quite well. Models which cannot resolve the convective motions due to their grid structure (1D-models or models with coarse horizontal and/or vertical resolution) have to take into account the effects of large eddies within their subgrid diffusion terms. Turbulent fluxes are frequently parameterized through first-order-closure methods (K-theory). Recently, non-local closure schemes have also been developed. In this paper we compare 1D-and 2D-models using different local and non-local first-order closure methods. The analysis is carried out for the case of an idealized cold air outbreak (CAO). One of the non-local closures is based on the so-called transilient turbulence theory. The reference states are given by a bulk-model and a 2D-model which resolves the large eddies explicitly. A comparison of the results is presented for characteristic quantities such as evolution of boundary-layer height and surface heat flux as well as mean wind and temperature profiles. It is found that simple local first-order closure does not give good agreement with the reference models. The results of the transilient turbulence model shows that a non-local closure is able to parameterize the effects of the large eddies. Comparable results are produced by a local closure where eddy diffusivities are parameterized by dimensionless gradient-functions.     

Pollutant dispersion close to an urban surface – the BUBBLE tracer experiment

Summary In this publication first results of an urban tracer experiment are reported. This experiment was realized in the framework of the Basel UrBan Boundary-Layer Experiment (BUBBLE) in an area with abundant information on turbulence and flow conditions available. Release height was close to roof level and so was the height of the concentration samplers. The meteorological conditions during the experiments were mainly convective, but due to the rough character of the underlying surface also the mechanical turbulence was substantial.The concentration distribution is found to be essentially Gaussian in the horizontal plane and some commonly used methods to estimate the plume widths in applied dispersion models are compared to the observations. From measurements at one site downwind of the source it is found that for a near-roof level source, only an insignificant vertical gradient in tracer concentration is present within a street canyon. Using a Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model the tracer experiments are simulated. It is shown that the exact form of the parameterization for the flow and turbulence structure within the urban roughness sublayer is of great importance for the simulation results. Also the numerical simulation results underline the necessity (and difficulty) to describe the vertical profile of the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy close to an urban surface.     

长江下游地区不同边界层参数化方案的试验研究

利用中尺度数值模式WRFV3.1.1中的MYJ、QNSE、YSU、ACM2、MYNN2.5、MYNN3、Boulac七种不同边界层参数化方案,进行了发生在长江下游地区的3例暴雨的模拟试验.重点分析比较了七个不同边界层参数化方案对降水总量分布、次降水区的边界层结构、关键基本气象要素场的模拟能力,并将降水总量和关键基本气象要素场的模拟结果与实测结果进行了统计检验.通过对比,发现QNSE方案的模拟能力相对优于其他边界层参数化方案.     

The influences of boundary layer parameterization schemes on mesoscale heavy rain system

1.Introducti0nThemesoscaleoperationalmodel-whichisoftenused,isMM4orMM5'butMM4isusedfrequentlyonlO3kmscale.Thephysicalprocessesinthismodeldevelopconstantly.FororiginalMM4,thecomputationofsurfacefluxesisnotaccurate,andKmodelfortheturbu-lencefluxesbetweenany2levelsneedstobeimprovedbynewtreatment.Inordertostudytheinfluencesofboundarylayerparameterizationschemesonmesoscaleheavyrainsystem,sur-facefluxesandKmodelinoriginalMM4areimprovedbytherecentresearchinthispaPer.Theflux-profilerelationsforv…     

Impact of the Diurnal Cycle of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer on Wind-Turbine Wakes: A Numerical Modelling Study

The wake characteristics of a wind turbine for different regimes occurring throughout the diurnal cycle are investigated systematically by means of large-eddy simulation. Idealized diurnal cycle simulations of the atmospheric boundary layer are performed with the geophysical flow solver EULAG over both homogeneous and heterogeneous terrain. Under homogeneous conditions, the diurnal cycle significantly affects the low-level wind shear and atmospheric turbulence. A strong vertical wind shear and veering with height occur in the nocturnal stable boundary layer and in the morning boundary layer, whereas atmospheric turbulence is much larger in the convective boundary layer and in the evening boundary layer. The increased shear under heterogeneous conditions changes these wind characteristics, counteracting the formation of the night-time Ekman spiral. The convective, stable, evening, and morning regimes of the atmospheric boundary layer over a homogeneous surface as well as the convective and stable regimes over a heterogeneous surface are used to study the flow in a wind-turbine wake. Synchronized turbulent inflow data from the idealized atmospheric boundary-layer simulations with periodic horizontal boundary conditions are applied to the wind-turbine simulations with open streamwise boundary conditions. The resulting wake is strongly influenced by the stability of the atmosphere. In both cases, the flow in the wake recovers more rapidly under convective conditions during the day than under stable conditions at night. The simulated wakes produced for the night-time situation completely differ between heterogeneous and homogeneous surface conditions. The wake characteristics of the transitional periods are influenced by the flow regime prior to the transition. Furthermore, there are different wake deflections over the height of the rotor, which reflect the incoming wind direction.     

Operating ranges of meteorological wind tunnels for the simulation of convective boundary layer (CBL) phenomena

The operating ranges of meteorological wind tunnels for convective boundary-layer (CBL) simulation are defined in this paper based on a review of the theoretical and practical limitations of the flow phenomena and the facilities available. Wind-tunnel operating ranges are limited by the dimensions of the simulated circulations and of the tunnel itself, the tunnel flow speed and turbulence processes, and the characteristics of the measurement instrumentation. When it is desired to simulate both the CBL and the behavior of other flows imbedded within the boundary layer, such as power-plant plume rise and dispersion, then additional constraints exist on the fluid modeling process. The capabilities of meteorological wind tunnels can also be extended through the judicious use of boundary and side wall flow controls.     

华南中尺度暴雨数值预报的不确定性与集合预报试验

利用非静力MM5模式,分析了不同积云对流参数化方案对华南暖区暴雨数值预报的不确定性影响,进行了中尺度暴雨模式扰动集合预报试验。不同对流参数化方案的对流凝结加热引起不同的局地温度扰动,通过大气内部的热力动力过程,导致垂直速度的差异,进而影响网格尺度和次网格尺度降水时间、地点和强度。后续降水再通过凝结潜热释放形成新的扰动源。不同积云对流参数化方案还可引起扰动源能量传播方式不同,最终使模拟大气的动力和热力结构有差异。针对物理过程的不确定性,使用两种模式扰动方法构造集合预报扰动模式,第一种方法是随机组合不同积云对流参数化方案和边界层方案,第二种方法是扰动Grell积云对流参数化方案中主要参数振幅。集合预报结果表明,第一种方法的集合预报效果优于第二种方法,仅扰动参数振幅值似乎还不足以反映华南暴雨预报的不确定性。单一的确定性预报在暴雨落区和强度方面的可信度不稳定,集合产品能给华南暴雨过程提供更有用价值的指导预报,具有较高的应用价值。     

Evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecast/Urban Model Over Greater Paris

Meteorological modelling in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) over Greater Paris is performed using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) numerical model. The simulated meteorological fields are evaluated by comparison with mean diurnal observational data or mean vertical profiles of temperature, wind speed, humidity and boundary-layer height from 6 to 27 May 2005. Different PBL schemes, which parametrize the atmospheric turbulence in the PBL using different turbulence closure schemes, may be used in the WRF model. The sensitivity of the results to four PBL schemes (two non-local closure schemes and two local closure schemes) is estimated. Uncertainties in the PBL schemes are compared to the influence of the urban canopy model (UCM) and the updated Coordination of Information on the Environment (CORINE) land-use data. Using the UCM and the CORINE land-use data produces more realistic modelled meteorological fields. The wind speed, which is overestimated in the simulations without the UCM, is improved below 1,000 m height. Furthermore, the modelled PBL heights during nighttime are strongly modified, with an increase that may be as high as 200 %. At night, the impact of changing the PBL scheme is lower than the impact of using the UCM and the CORINE land-use data.     

Forward-in-time and Backward-in-time Dispersion in the Convective Boundary Layer: the Concentration Footprint

The turbulence field obtained using a large-eddy simulation model is used to simulate particle dispersion in the convective boundary layer with both forward-in-time and backward-in-time modes. A Lagrangian stochastic model is used to treat subgrid-scale turbulence. Results of forward dispersion match both laboratory experiments and previous numerical studies for different release heights in the convective boundary layer. Results obtained from backward dispersion show obvious asymmetry when directly compared to results from forward dispersion. However, a direct comparison of forward and backward dispersion has no apparent physical meaning and might be misleading. Results of backward dispersion can be interpreted as three-dimensional or generalized concentration footprints, which indicate that sources in the entire boundary layer, not only sources at the surface, may influence a concentration measurement at a point. Footprints at four source heights in the convective boundary layer corresponding to four receptors are derived using forward and backward dispersion methods. The agreement among footprints derived with forward and backward methods illustrates the equivalence between both approaches. The paper shows explicitly that Lagrangian simulations can yield identical footprints using forward and backward methods in horizontally homogeneous turbulence.     

复杂地形上气象场对空气质量数值模拟 结果影响的研究

利用WRF模式三种边界层参数化方案(YSU、MYJ、ACM2)产生的气象场分别驱动多尺度空气质量模式CMAQ,对兰州市西固区冬季2005年1月27日至2月2日期间SO₂和NO₂浓度进行了数值模拟,将模拟结果与同期监测的污染物浓度进行对比分析,结果表明:WRF模式不同边界层参数化方案模拟输出的气象场驱动CMAQ模式所模拟的SO₂和NO₂浓度均可以反映出污染物的时空变化特征,CMAQ模式具有模拟复杂下垫面高分辨率污染物输送特征的能力;WRF模式的边界层参数化方案选为局地与非局地闭合方案(ACM2)时,模拟的气象场驱动CMAQ模式得到的空气污染物浓度分布特征最优,这主要是由于ACM2的湍流输送机制较为合理,模拟的边界层低层气象场更接近实际,从而可以较好地模拟污染物的输送特征;当CMAQ模式的垂直混合方案与WRF模式的湍流输送方案一致时(均采用ACM2方案),模式间的兼容性好.     

A Simple And General Subgrid Model Suitable Both For Surface Layer And Free-Stream Turbulence

A new and general approach is presented to allow standard subgrid schemes to besuitable both for surface layer and free-stream turbulence. Simple modificationsto subgrid schemes are proposed and derived for any vertical stabilityconditions. They are simple to implement in models and are suitable for morecomplicated simulations such as large-eddy simulation with inhomogeneoussurface conditions or complex topography. They are also applicable to mesoscaleand large-scale models. These modifications are physically justified by recentmeasurements of spectra close to the ground. The spectral analysis presentedshows how the energy deficit of blocked turbulence for a given dissipation(`anomalous dissipation') dramatically affects the coefficients to be used insubgrid schemes. As shown for neutral and convective cases with wind shear,these changes allow us to substantially improve the prediction of profiles for themean quantities in the surface layer. Agreement with similarity laws in the unstablecase is found up to about 0.2z_i, for simulated shear, stabilityprofiles and dissipation rates of turbulent kinetic energy.     

大气边界层和大气环境研究进展

大气边界层物理和大气环境是大气科学的重要领域,中国科学院大气物理研究所自成立以来在这一研究领域取导了丰硕的成果.作者重点介绍最近十多年来在大气边界层探测、大气边界层结构特征、大气湍流理论、城市和区域大气污染预测预报模式研究等方面取得的重要进展,并对大气边界层和大气环境研究的未来发展作了展望.     

The perturbed structure of the neutral atmospheric boundary layer over irregular terrain

The differential equations for first-order (linear) response of the planetary boundary layer are formulated for flow over periodic terrain, for variations in both surface roughness and terrain elevation. A simple second-order closure model of the turbulence is used, and Coriolis forces are neglected. Flow over a periodic terrain produces corresponding periodic structure in all meteorological fields above the surface. The periodic structure consists of two components. The first is very nearly evanescent with height. It corresponds to the motion that would be observed were the atmosphere inviscid. The second component, introduced by turbulent viscosity, exhibits a phase variation with height in addition to a decay in amplitude. W.K.B. [Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin] approximations for the two components are developed, and the coupling between the components is discussed. The formulation for calculating solutions by numerical integration is developed, including specification of appropriate boundary conditions. Calculations are presented in a companion paper.Wave Propagation Laboratory.Environmental Science Group.     

A Large-Eddy Simulation and Lagrangian Stochastic Study of Heavy Particle Dispersion in the Convective Boundary Layer

Large-eddy simulation and Lagrangian stochastic dispersion models were used to study heavy particle dispersion in the convective boundary layer (CBL). The effects of various geostrophic winds, particle diameters, and subgrid-scale (SGS) turbulence were investigated. Results showed an obvious depression in the vertical dispersion of heavy particles in the CBL and major vertical stratification in the distribution of particle concentrations, relative to the passive dispersion. Stronger geostrophic winds tended to increase the dispersion of heavy particles in the lower CBL. The SGS turbulence, particularly near the surface, markedly influenced the dispersion of heavy particles in the CBL. For reference, simulations using passive particles were also conducted; these simulation results agreed well with results from previous convective tank experiments and numerical simulations.     

Nonlocal Turbulent Mixing Based on Convective Adjustment Concepts (Ntac)

A nonlocal turbulent mixing parameterization is introduced in this study and denoted by the acronym NTAC, which stands for Nonlocal parameterization of Turbulent mixing using convective Adjustment Concepts. NTAC uses the average value of quantities in the turbulent domain in much the same way that local convective adjustment schemes use the average potential temperature. Averages are determined in the region with non-convective turbulence using information from the two end layers (denoted by TLA, Two Layer Average), while all layers contribute to the average in regions with convective turbulence (denoted by CLA, Convective Layer Average). The NTAC parameterization estimates the mixing percentage and uses this percentage as a mixing coefficient. These percentages are determined from a simplified turbulent kinetic energy equation. The scheme is versatile, conservative, and when programmed efficiently the proposed parameterization is a computationally acceptable nonlocal procedure that can be used in many existing numerical weather prediction forecast models.Numerical weather forecast model simulations using the NTAC parameterization and traditional K-theory are compared against radiosonde data. The accuracy of the proposed NTAC parameterization is found to be competitive with K theory. The greatest improvement of the NTAC over K-theory occurs during the daytime and early nighttime hours when (dry) convective activity is high. Also, areal cloud coverage is increased by the NTAC parameterization. Our findings show that the greatest nonlocal vertical mixing occurs between the layer nearest the earth's surface and the remaining layers making up the planetary boundary layer.     

The perturbed structure of the neutral atmospheric boundary layer over irregular terrain

The first-order (linear) response of the planetary boundary layer is calculated for flow over periodic terrain, for variations in both surface roughness and terrain elevation. Calculations are made for horizontal wavenumbers varying from 10^–4m^–1 to 3 × 10^–3m^–1. A simple second-order closure model of the turbulence is used, and Coriolis and buoyancy forces are neglected. As expected, flow over a periodic terrain produces corresponding periodic structure in all meteorological fields above the surface. The periodic structure consists of two components. The first is very nearly evanescent with height, showing little vertical structure. It corresponds to the motion that would be observed were the atmosphere inviscid. The second component, introduced by turbulent viscosity, exhibits considerable vertical structure, with vertical wavelengths the order of 100 m, and thus could be responsible for the layering often seen on acoustic sounder observations of the atmospheric boundary layer.Wave Propagation Laboratory.Environmental Science Group.     

High-resolution Simulation of an Extreme Heavy Rainfall Event in Shanghai Using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model: Sensitivity to Planetary Boundary Layer Parameterization

In this study,an extreme rainfall event that occurred on 25 May 2018 over Shanghai and its nearby area was simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting model,with a focus on the effects of planetary boundary layer(PBL)physics using double nesting with large grid ratios(15:1 and 9:1).The sensitivity of the precipitation forecast was examined through three PBL schemes:the Yonsei University Scheme,the Mellor?Yamada?Nakanishi Niino Level 2.5(MYNN)scheme,and the Mellor?Yamada?Janjic scheme.The PBL effects on boundary layer structures,convective thermodynamic and large-scale forcings were investigated to explain the model differences in extreme rainfall distributions and hourly variations.The results indicated that in single coarser grids(15 km and 9 km),the extreme rainfall amount was largely underestimated with all three PBL schemes.In the inner 1-km grid,the underestimated intensity was improved;however,using the MYNN scheme for the 1-km grid domain with explicitly resolved convection and nested within the 9-km grid using the Kain?Fritsch cumulus scheme,significant advantages over the other PBL schemes are revealed in predicting the extreme rainfall distribution and the time of primary peak rainfall.MYNN,with the weakest vertical mixing,produced the shallowest and most humid inversion layer with the lowest lifting condensation level,but stronger wind fields and upward motions from the top of the boundary layer to upper levels.These factors all facilitate the development of deep convection and moisture transport for intense precipitation,and result in its most realistic prediction of the primary rainfall peak.     

Modelling Mean and Turbulence Fields in the Dry Convective Boundary Layer with the Eddy-Diffusivity/Mass-Flux Approach

The treatment of turbulence closure in atmospheric models is examined in the context of the dry convective boundary layer (CBL) and the eddy-diffusivity/mass-flux (EDMF) approach. The EDMF approach is implemented into a model called TAPM to use a coupled two-equation prognostic turbulence closure and the mass-flux approach to represent turbulence in the CBL. This work also extends the range of turbulence variables that can be derived from the mass-flux component of the model and uses these along with their values from the prognostic scheme to provide total turbulence fields that can be used to compare to data and/or to feed into other components of TAPM, including those needed to drive Eulerian and Lagrangian air pollution dispersion modules. Model results are presented for the afternoon of a simulated summer day and are compared to both laboratory and field observations in a mixed-layer scaled framework. The results show that the EDMF approach works well within TAPM and can provide good predictions of mean and turbulence fields, including in the upper levels of the CBL. The EDMF approach has several attractive features, including the potential to be one approach to unify the treatment of turbulence and dry and moist convection in atmospheric models.