An application of simple models to Sahelian convective boundary-layer growth

Profiles of temperature were measured in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over the West African Sahel on eleven days at three different times of the year. The final depth of the mixed layer was shown to vary substantially during the year, but it was often greater than 2.5 km. Measured values of the sensible heat flux at the surface are used to force several simple slab models of the ABL. It is found that these simple models can describe the increases of height and temperature of the ABL during the day.