Classification of the stratified atmospheric boundary layers at Molve (Croatia) based on the similarity theory

Summary The stability parameter μ is suggested as the one which is determinable with satisfying accuracy for routine application by means of commonly accessible meteorological data at the Molve location (Croatia). The similarity functions applied for vertical wind speed simulation in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) at Molve were useful for the determination of local stability classes. Universal similarity functions were applied for unstable and neutral stability, whereas local similarity functions were established for stable stratification. Wind speed simulations were performed using two types of wind models. The Monin-Obukhov similarity theory was included in both types. However, it turned out that for the operative determination of the stability of the 35 m deep lowest layer, the stability parameter μ was locally a better stability parameter than the Monin-Obukhov parameter z/L. That was possibly because 35 m deep lowest layer sometimes (depending upon stability) includes a large proportion of the Ekman layer and parameter μ is originally designed for the deeper part of PBL than z/L that is originally designed for the surface layer. At Molve, the input data for local wind models as well as for the stability parameter μ were wind speed at 35 m and temperature at 2 and 35 m above the ground.