The Behavior of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer in the Vicinity of the Gulf Stream Sea Surface Temperature Front
The Behavior of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer in the Vicinity of the Gulf Stream Sea Surface Temperature Front

Author: Hanyuan Liu

Publisher:

Published: 2023

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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The evolution of the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) in the vicinity of a sea surface temperature (SST) front is of particular research interest, as the large air-sea temperature and humidity differences at the surface fuels various physical processes inside the boundary layer, causing intense heat and momentum exchange. Such processes make the mesoscale MABL an ocean-drive-atmosphere scenario. Dominant mechanisms, although having been studied intensively, are still yet to be fully understood due to the highly turbulent nature of the MABL. Previous studies often relied on satellite-derived SST and wind fields to investigate boundary layer dynamics, yet the coarse spatial and temporal resolution of such a method limits the understanding of the MABL evolution on shorter timescales. In this thesis, a combination of in situ data and model simulations is used to investigate the MABL response to the SST front in the Gulf Stream region on a timescale of one day or less. Analysis of MABL structure is divided into three categories depending on the background wind strength and its direction relative to the front: cold to warm, parallel/weak, and warm to cold. Two mechanisms identified in previous studies, vertical mixing and thermally induced pressure gradient, and their role in MABL evolution, are studied quantitatively. A comparison between observations and model simulations allows further analysis of the contribution of moist processes that were often considered to be of secondary importance in the past even over the ocean. Results show that vertical mixing is responsible for the majority of the MABL deepening, while the pressure adjustment's effect is more significant when the cross-frontal wind is weak. Sensitivity tests conducted in the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) also show that moisture processes, including surface latent heat, boundary layer transport of moist, and cloud formation, further enhance the mixing that drives MABL changes.

An Introduction to Boundary Layer Meteorology
An Introduction to Boundary Layer Meteorology

Author: Roland B. Stull

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 1988-07-31

Total Pages: 688

ISBN-13: 9789027727695

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Part of the excitement in boundary-layer meteorology is the challenge associated with turbulent flow - one of the unsolved problems in classical physics. An additional attraction of the filed is the rich diversity of topics and research methods that are collected under the umbrella-term of boundary-layer meteorology. The flavor of the challenges and the excitement associated with the study of the atmospheric boundary layer are captured in this textbook. Fundamental concepts and mathematics are presented prior to their use, physical interpretations of the terms in equations are given, sample data are shown, examples are solved, and exercises are included. The work should also be considered as a major reference and as a review of the literature, since it includes tables of parameterizatlons, procedures, filed experiments, useful constants, and graphs of various phenomena under a variety of conditions. It is assumed that the work will be used at the beginning graduate level for students with an undergraduate background in meteorology, but the author envisions, and has catered for, a heterogeneity in the background and experience of his readers.

Coastal Meteorology
Coastal Meteorology

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1992-02-01

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 0309046874

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Almost half the U.S. population lives along the coast. In another 20 years this population is expected to more than double in size. The unique weather and climate of the coastal zone, circulating pollutants, altering storms, changing temperature, and moving coastal currents affect air pollution and disaster preparedness, ocean pollution, and safeguarding near-shore ecosystems. Activities in commerce, industry, transportation, freshwater supply, safety, recreation, and national defense also are affected. The research community engaged in studies of coastal meteorology in recent years has made significant advancements in describing and predicting atmospheric properties along coasts. Coastal Meteorology reviews this progress and recommends research that would increase the value and application of what is known today.