Parameterization of Subgrid-Scale Fluxes in Mesoscale Meteorological Models

Abstract

The problem of subgrid turbulent flux parameterization for mesoscale meteorological models is considered. A particular scheme is recommended, based on a quasi-equilibrium approximation to the A.R.A.P. second-order closure model of turbulent transport in the atmosphere. Tests of this scheme, as compared with results from a full second-order closure, high resolution, 1-D model, indicate reasonable results when the model grid resolution is adequate to include a few points in the unstable boundary layer. The scheme incorporates parameterization as an integral part of the quasi-equilibrium, and suggests that intermittency is a fundamental feature of cumulus cloud environment. Further testing of the scheme is recommended, particularly for the cumulus parameterization. Keywords: Turbulent flux parameterization; Convective scalar diffusion; Free convection surface layer; Cumulus parameterization; Planetary boundary layer.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA153016

Entities

People

  • R. I. Sykes
  • S. F. Parker
  • W. S. Lewellen

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundary Layer
  • Buoyancy
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Convection
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Fluid Flow
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • High Resolution
  • Meteorology
  • Models
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Research Facilities
  • Stratified Fluids
  • Three Dimensional
  • Turbulence
  • Turbulent Mixing
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers