An Efficient Numerical Model of the Planetary Atmospheric Boundary Layer

This paper presents an efficient two-dimensional time-dependent one-layer boundary layer model designed specifically for use in general circulation models. Two fundamental problems associated with the boundary layer parameterization are examined using the one-dimensional version of the model. These are the effects of different PBL parameterization schemes and different flux profiles on the model wind and temperatures. This paper concludes that the effect of different PBL parameterization is very significant on temperature calculation but less important on the wind speed. In general, the use of linear flux profiles for the vertical divergence of momentum, heat and moisture is found to be satisfactory. We conclude this study by testing the validity of our two-dimensional model by comparing it with multi-level boundary layer model results. For this purpose, a numerical integration was done to simulate a stably stratified air flow passing from smooth to rough surfaces. (Author)