Boundary Layer Structure in Relation to Larger-Scale Flow: Some Remarks on the JASIN Observations

The JASIN project was planned on the assumption that an improved knowledge of the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer over the sea, and of the transfer processes within it, would be of value to those designing numerical models of the atmosphere to stimulate weather patterns and the general circulation. A corresponding knowledge of the structure and mechanics of the upper mixed layer of the ocean is also essential in ocean modelling and for the coupled atmosphere-ocean models that are increasingly used to study climatic variation. This paper comments on some of the JASIN observations and analysis that may be of interest to modellers, drawing attention to important factors such as boundary layer cloud and attempting to foresee what further observations will be needed.