Large-eddy simulation of katabatic winds. Part 1: Comparison with observations

Steady-state quasi-one-dimensional large-eddy simulations of slope winds over simple terrain are presented. The model results of up-slope flow are compared to previous simulations by Schumann (1990), and good agreement is found. Modelled downslope winds are compared to meteorological observations from two glaciers. The vertical profiles of velocity and buoyancy agree with the observations, whereas larger discrepancies are found between the modelled and the observed momentum and buoyancy flux profiles. Despite some discrepancies, the model captures the main characteristics of the observed downslope winds fairly well. The numerical model is used in a companion paper (Part II) to study how some external input parameters affect katabatic winds.