Baroclinic planetary boundary-layer model for neutral and stable stratification conditions

The temperature and wind profiles in a baroclinic atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) are investigated. Assuming stationary conditions, the turbulent state in the ABL for stable and neutral conditions is uniquely determined by the Rossby number, the external stratification parameter and two external baroclinic parameters. A simple two-layer baroclinic model is developed. It consists of a surface layer (SL) and overlying Ekman-type layer. The system of dynamic and heat transfer equations is closed using K-theory. In the SL the turbulent exchange coefficient is consistent with the results of similarity theory while in the Ekman layer it is assumed constant. The universal functions in the resistance, heat and humidity transfer laws are deduced from the analytical solutions for the wind and temperature profiles. The solutions of the ABL resistance laws for the internal ABL parameters, necessary for the calculations of the ABL profiles, are approximated in terms of the external ABL parameters. Favourable agreement of model results with the available experimental data is demonstrated. © 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands.