Effects of wind shear on the atmospheric convective boundary layer structure and evolution

The article reviews past accomplishments and recent advances in conceptual understanding, numerical simulation, and physical interpretation of the wind shear phenomena in the atmospheric convective boundary layer.     

Effects of shear in the convective boundary layer: analysis of the turbulent kinetic energy budget

Effects of convective and mechanical turbulence at the entrainment zone are studied through the use of systematic Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) experiments. Five LES experiments with different shear characteristics in the quasi-steady barotropic boundary layer were conducted by increasing the value of the constant geostrophic wind by 5 m s^-1 until the geostrophic wind was equal to 20 m s^-1. The main result of this sensitivity analysis is that the convective boundary layer deepens with increasing wind speed due to the enhancement of the entrainment heat flux by the presence of shear. Regarding the evolution of the turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) budget for the studied cases, the following conclusions are drawn: (i) dissipation increases with shear, (ii) the transport and pressure terms decrease with increasing shear and can become a destruction term at the entrainment zone, and (iii) the time tendency of TKE remains small in all analyzed cases. Convective and local scaling arguments are applied to parameterize the TKE budget terms. Depending on the physical properties of each TKE budget contribution, two types of scaling parameters have been identified. For the processes influenced by mixed-layer properties, boundary layer depth and convective velocity have been used as scaling variables. On the contrary, if the physical processes are restricted to the entrainment zone, the inversion layer depth, the modulus of the horizontal velocity jump and the momentum fluxes at the inversion appear to be the natural choices for scaling these processes. A good fit of the TKE budget terms is obtained with the scaling, especially for shear contribution.     

Wave-induced steady streaming,mass transport and net sediment transport in rough turbulent ocean bottom boundary layers

The interaction between two important mechanisms which causes streaming has been investigated by numerical simulations of the seabed boundary layer beneath both sinusoidal waves and Stokes second order waves, as well as horizontally uniform bottom boundary layers with asymmetric forcing. These two mechanisms are streaming caused by turbulence asymmetry in successive wave half-cycles (beneath asymmetric forcing), and streaming caused by the presence of a vertical wave velocity within the seabed boundary layer as earlier explained by Longuet-Higgins. The effect of wave asymmetry, wave length to water depth ratio, and bottom roughness have been investigated for realistic physical situations. The streaming induced sediment dynamics near the ocean bottom has been investigated; both the resulting suspended load and bedload are presented. Finally, the mass transport (wave-averaged Lagrangian velocity) has been studied for a range of wave conditions. The streaming velocities beneath sinusoidal waves (Longuet-Higgins streaming) is always in the direction of wave propagation, while the streaming velocities in horizontally uniform boundary layers with asymmetric forcing are always negative. Thus the effect of asymmetry in second order Stokes waves is either to reduce the streaming velocity in the direction of wave propagation, or, for long waves relative to the water depth, to induce a streaming velocity against the direction of wave propagation. It appears that the Longuet-Higgins streaming decreases as the wave length increases for a given water depth, and the effect of wave asymmetry can dominate, leading to a steady streaming against the wave propagation. Furthermore, the asymmetry of second order Stokes waves reduces the mass transport (wave-averaged Lagrangian velocity) as compared with sinusoidal waves. The boundary layer streaming leads to a wave-averaged transport of suspended sediments and bedload in the direction of wave propagation.     

Modeling high-order statistics in the turbulent Ekman layer

Results from a direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the neutral and unstable turbulent Ekman layer at a Reynolds number of 1000 were used to evaluate turbulence closure models. For the neutrally stratified Ekman layer, the higher-order moments of velocity were examined and the accuracy of a kurtosis model was assessed. For the unstable Ekman layer, the analysis of higher-order moments was extended to temperature-velocity correlations. Model coefficients were optimised using DNS data and it was shown that the optimised models accurately captured the distributions of all fourth-order moments. These low-Reynolds number results can be extrapolated to higher Reynolds numbers to parameterise turbulence in other flow fields with rotational effects such as the atmospheric boundary layer.     

The effect of turbulent flow structures on saltation sand transport in the atmospheric boundary layer

The effect of turbulent flow structures on saltation sand transport was studied during two convective storms in Niger, West Africa. Continuous, synchronous measurements of saltation fluxes and turbulent velocity fluctuations were made with a sampling frequency of 1 Hz. The shear stress production was determined from the vertical and streamwise velocity fluctuations. The greatest stress-bearing events were classified as turbulent structures, with sweep, ejection, inward interaction, and outward interaction described according to the quadrant technique. The classified turbulent structures accounted for 63·5 per cent of the average shear stress during the first storm, and 56·0 per cent during the second storm. The percentage of active time was only 20·6 per cent and 15·8 per cent, respectively. High saltation fluxes were associated with sweeps and outward interactions. These two structures contribute positively (sweeps) and negatively (outward interactions) to the shear stress, but have in common that the streamwise velocity component is higher than average. Therefore, the horizontal drag force seems primarily responsible for saltation sand transport, and not the shear stress. This was also reflected by the low correlation coefficients (r) between shear stress and saltation flux (0·12 and 0·14, respectively), while the correlation coefficients between the streamwise velocity component and saltation flux were much higher (0·65 and 0·57, respectively). © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Some effects of intra-red radiation on the dynamics of the atmospheric boundary layer

An approximate infra-red radiation scheme, employing essentially the cooling to space approximation, is included in a one-dimensional model of the atmospheric boundary layer. The approximate scheme is found not to produce significant errors in the behaviour of the dynamical model when integrated over a few hours. Radiative cooling is shown to be important in the development of a clear well-mixed layer which is capped by an essentially dry region; in particular, convetive instability is induced and this enhances the rate of entrainment of dry air. The development of fog is found to require sound models of both radiative transfer and turbulent diffusion.     

森林冠层和森林边界层大涡模拟

在采用各向异性湍流动能闭合方案和3阶Runge-Kutta时间积分方案的大涡模式中,引入由森林冠层粗糙元造成的动量拖曳项、热量输入项和TKE耗散项,以模拟森林冠层和森林边界层的气象场. 通过中性和不稳定层结条件下不同叶面积指数算例的模拟分析及与已有观测结果的比较表明,本文所建大涡模式对森林冠层和森林边界层有较好的模拟效果. 进一步研究表明：不稳定层结条件下较稠密的森林冠层中特有的Kinking & Pairing湍涡结构与森林边界层中湍流的大涡运动相互作用,形成了森林冠层附近的温度斜坡型结构.     

大气边界层研究进展

大气边界层对云和对流的发展、演变有重要作用.本文回顾了在大气边界层高度计算方法,边界层的时空分布特征、结构和发展机理,以及边界层参数化方案等方面的主要研究进展.大气边界层高度计算方法主要分为基于大气廓线观测数据计算和基于模式参数化方案计算两大类;大气边界层高度频率分布形态具有明显的日变化特征,并且稳定、中性和对流边界层高度的频率分布呈现出不同的Gamma分布特征;地面湿度状况对边界层发展影响明显,对于不同的下垫面热力性质和地形状况,大气边界层高度呈现出明显的空间差异,青藏高原边界层高度明显高于一般平原地区;在强烈的地面加热驱动下,对流边界层与残余层通过正反馈机制循环增长可以形成4000 m以上的超高大气边界层;研制大气边界层、浅对流以及云物理方案的统一参数化框架是未来数值预报模式的发展趋势.

     

一个大气边界层非线性三维数值模式及其在太湖流域的应用

本模式用以K半经验理论为基础的闭合方程组求解,引进了地形作用、动量、热量和水汽的侧向扩散和垂直湍流交换以及凝结加热等物理过程,其中湍流交换系数K是地表粗糙度、几何高度、大气稳定度及风速切变等因子的函数。本模式还考虑了山地、平原和水面在地形高度、地表粗糙度、辐射、蒸发及热交换等方面的差异,在下垫面上建立热平衡方程与边界层内控制方程耦合。将模式应用于太湖流域,计算得到的该流域边界层内温、压、湿、风的分布特征与实际情况相似,模式具有一定的实用性。     

磁层顶边界层剪切流引起的MHD波模转化

采用非本征模方法（non-modal analysis）研究了磁层顶边界层中剪切流导致的MHD波模转化及其与背景流场的能量交换过程.发现在分别代表磁层顶内、外边界层及过渡区的均匀剪切流场中,初始设定的Alfvén波扰动可部分转化为快、慢磁声波.而且,在不同区域,根据等离子体参数的不同,发生的波模转化过程也不相同.在外边界,Alfvén波主要转化为慢磁声波;在内边界,Alfvén波则主要转化为快磁声波;而在二者之间的过渡区中,Alfvén波可同时转化为两种类型的磁声波.我们还发现,含有较强快波分量的扰动可从磁层顶剪切流场中获得能量而得到线性放大.上述物理过程可能对解释磁鞘至磁层的能量及动量异常输运现象有所帮助.     

黄土高原复杂地形上边界层低空急流对近地层湍流的影响

利用中尺度气象数值模式（Weather Research and Forecasting Model,WRF）模拟风场,结合兰州大学半干旱气候与环境观测站（Semi-Arid Climate and Environment Observatory of Lanzhou University,SACOL）湍流观测资料,分析了黄土高原复杂地形上稳定边界层低空急流对近地层湍流活动的影响.黄土高原复杂地形上稳定边界层低空急流的形成与地形作用引发的局地环流有关.低空急流对近地层湍流活动有强烈影响,剪切作用使小尺度湍涡活动加剧,湍动能增大,同时非平稳运动被压制.低空急流发生时,观测数据有87.3%是弱稳定情形（梯度理查森数小于0.25）;而无低空急流时,对应时段的观测表明65.4%属于强稳定层结（梯度理查森数大于0.3）,非平稳运动造成湍流功率谱在低频端迅速增大.与无低空急流和弱低空急流情形相比,强低空急流发生时,近地层湍动能增大1倍,湍动能在垂直方向上的传递增大1个量级,且方向向下,约为-3 × 10-3 m3·s-3,湍流在上层产生并向下传递.     

The effect of velocity veering on sand transport in a shallow sea

This study aims at comparing and contrasting two different models for sand transport by currents in a shallow sea to illustrate the effect of velocity veering. The first model uses the Bailard-type formulation, which allows calculation of erosion/deposition rates at a fixed location on the sea floor via the divergence of horizontal sediment fluxes. The second model is a semi-analytical 2.5-dimensional model, which takes into account the time lag between erosion and deposition events and the velocity veering within the sediment-laden (nepheloid) layer caused by the Coriolis force. The velocity veering implies that the direction of the sediment flux is generally different from the direction of the surface flow. The latter model was designed for rapid, semi-analytical computations of sediment transport, using flow fields from 2-DH numerical models. The two models use a matching set of parameters to provide identical values for the bottom stress and suspended sediment load for a uniform steady current at any given surface velocity. The two models were compared in a range of sand grain sizes 50–500 m and current speeds up to 1 m s^–1 for an idealised square region (100 × 100 km) of a shelf sea of constant depth. The erosion/deposition patterns and suspension load were examined in three settings: (1) uniform steady flow, (2) straight jet, (3) meandering jet. It was found that both the rates and, in particular, the spatial distribution of the areas of erosion/deposition differ significantly between the models in cases (2) and (3). This difference can be attributed to additional flux divergence due to velocity veering. A comparison of model results with field data, collected at Long Island Shelf, supports the relevance of Coriolis-induced veering of currents on the direction of the sediment flux.Responsible Editor: Jens Kappenberg     

Gradient-based similarity in the atmospheric boundary layer

The “flux-based” and “gradient-based” similarity in the stable boundary layer and also in the interfacial part of the convective boundary layer is discussed. The stable case is examined on the basis of data collected during the CASES-99 experiment. Its interfacial counterpart is considered in both the quasi-steady (mid-day) and non-steady states, utilizing the results of large-eddy simulations. In the stable regime, the “gradient-based” approach is not unique and can be based on various master length scales. Three local master length scales are considered: the local Monin-Obukhov scale, the buoyancy scale, and the Ellison scale. In the convective “quasi-steady” (mid-day) case, the “mixed layer” scaling is shown to be valid in the mixed layer and invalid in the interfacial layer. The temperature variance profile in non-steady conditions can be expressed in terms of the convective temperature scale in the mixed layer. The analogous prediction for velocity variances is not valid under non-steady conditions.     

人为热源对城市边界层结构影响的数值模拟研究

用南京大学多尺度模式系统在不同区域进行了多种人为热源引入方案的研究,结果表明：考虑时空变化的人为热源按比例分别引入到地表能量平衡方程和大气热量守恒方程是将人为热源引入模式的最优方案.人为热通量密度变化的敏感性试验结果发现：人为热源的存在对城市热岛的生成有重要作用.计算结果表明,南京现有的人为热源排放量对该地区的城市热岛贡献率约为29.6％,若人为热通量密度在现有量值的基础上增大1倍,则其热岛贡献率可达42.9％;此外,人为热的排放对清晨城市边界层逆温结构有一定程度的破坏作用,能明显升高夜间近地层气温达0.5～1.0℃,并能使白天湍流活动的影响范围增大,混合层高度抬高,使夜间城市热岛环流的影响范围扩大.     

Boundary layer characteristics and turbulent exchange mechanisms in highly complex terrain

The Mesoscale Alpine Programme’s Riviera project investigated the turbulence structure and related exchange processes in an Alpine valley by combining a detailed experimental campaign with high-resolution numerical modelling. The present contribution reviews published material on the Riviera Valley’s boundary layer structure and discusses new material on the near-surface turbulence structure. The general conclusion of the project is that despite the large spatial variability of turbulence characteristics and the crucial influence of topography at all scales, the physical processes can accurately be understood and modelled. Nevertheless, many of the “text book characteristics” like the interaction between the valley and slope wind systems or the erosion of the nocturnal valley inversion need reconsideration, at least for small non-ideal valleys like the Riviera Valley. The project has identified new areas of research such as post-processing methods for turbulence variables in complex terrain and new approaches for the surface energy balance when advection is non-negligible. The exchange of moisture and heat between the valley atmosphere and the free troposphere is dominated by local “secondary” circulations due to the curvature of the valley axis. Because many curved valleys exist, and operational models still have rather poor resolution, parameterization of these processes may be required.     

大气边界层湍流的动力非平稳性的验证

首次用验证时间序列中是否存在动力非平稳性的一种简单图示方法——space time-index法来分析大气边界层湍流的动力平稳性特征.本文以取自淮河流域和威斯康星森林下垫面条件下的三维高精度风速和温度、湿度湍流脉动资料对大气边界层湍流的平稳性特征进行了分析.结果表明space time-index方法能有效地检验大气边界层湍流信号中是否存在动力平稳性.另外,均匀下垫面条件（水稻田）及复杂下垫面条件（森林）下的大气边界层湍流信号中几乎都存在动力非平稳性,大气湍流动力学非平稳性可能是边界层湍流信号相当普遍具有的一种特性.大气边界层湍流中的间歇性和相干结构使得其非平稳性图形的特征不同于一般时间序列非平稳性图形的“V”型特征;森林下垫面条件下的湍流信号比相对均匀下垫面（水稻田）下的湍流信号更有组织性,相干结构更强.