The parametrization of surface fluxes in large‐scale models under free convection

1995 Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society 520 citations

Abstract

Abstract This paper investigates the idea of formulating free convection in large‐scale models as a special case of forced convection. In free convection, the wind speed in the surface transfer law is related to the velocity of the large eddies in the mixed layer and is proportional to the convection velocity scale. The empirical coefficient is estimated with the help of large eddy simulation data by Sykes et al. (1993) and the resulting formulation is compared with field data by Stull (1994). This concept is shown to be applicable to smooth ocean surfaces as well as rough land surfaces. It is argued that within this framework, free convection is a natural extension of forced convection and only needs a minor modification of traditional transfer laws.

Keywords

Parametrization (atmospheric modeling)Natural convectionForced convectionCombined forced and natural convectionConvectionEddyMechanicsMeteorologyAtmospheric convectionRayleigh–Bénard convectionScale (ratio)GeologyPhysicsTurbulenceOpticsRadiative transfer

Affiliated Institutions

Related Publications

Structure of the PBL

Even the most casual observer notices the changes in the wind. Though it has a certain persistence in time, the details of its swirls and eddies seem infinitely variable. Its st...

1988 American Meteorological Society eBooks 410 citations

Publication Info

Year
1995
Type
article
Volume
121
Issue
522
Pages
255-270
Citations
520
Access
Closed

External Links

Social Impact

Social media, news, blog, policy document mentions

Citation Metrics

520
OpenAlex

Cite This

Anton Beljaars (1995). The parametrization of surface fluxes in large‐scale models under free convection. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society , 121 (522) , 255-270. https://doi.org/10.1002/qj.49712152203

Identifiers

DOI
10.1002/qj.49712152203