Addressing the Enigma of the Stable Boundary Layer
Abstract
This report summarizes major achievements from the research conducted under the 6.1 NRL base project entitled Addressing the Enigma of the Stable Boundary Layer by researchers from NRL code 7530. The stable atmospheric boundary layer (SABL), forming over a cold land, water, ice or snow surface, is characterized by intermittent turbulence, transient wavelike motions, and strong response to surface properties, and remains the least understood element of the atmospheric boundary layer. The overarching objective of this project is to gain new insight into small-scale turbulent processes that regulate the SABL over land and waters. Specifically, we have explored the fundamental dynamics associated with i) turbulence intermittency generation and turbulence-wave-shear instability interactions in the SABL, ii) stable marine boundary layer over ocean waves, and iii) stable internal boundary layers over a heterogeneous surface. Significant findings from this research have been presented in workshops and scientific meetings and/or published in top-tier peer reviewed journals. Some new findings have high transition potentials. For example, the SMBL over waves study and the new scaling theory over coastal waters imply that the air-coupling parameterization in Navy's NWP models and EM duct prediction tools need to be improved over ocean waves and over coastal waters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 20, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1217980
Entities
People
- Qingfang Jiang
- Sasa Gebersek
- Xiaodong Hong
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory