Proposal for new PBL resistance laws for neutrally-stratified flow

The history of the development of Rossby-Number Similarity Theory for the neutral Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) is reviewed. It is shown that the logarithmic profile derived by asymptotic matching is only valid in the matched layer and not in the surface layer proper. Derivation of the traditional PBL Resistance Laws from the theory is outlined. A best-fit polynomial through observations of geostrophic drag coefficients suggests that the traditional form of the Resistance Laws is inadequate. A new formulation is derived from a generalization of the theory that allows the logarithmic form of the wind profile in the matched layer to differ from that in the surface layer. This new formulation is evaluated against observations made during the 1967 Wangara Experiment. Finally, it is demonstrated how wind speed and wind shear profiles that are consistent with the new Resistance Laws may be obtained.