ISSN:
1573-1472
Keywords:
Heterogeneity
;
Surface fluxes
;
Convective boundary layer
;
Blending height
;
Internal boundary layer
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract The concepts of vertical structure of the boundary layer over homogeneous surfaces are discussed, including the roughness sublayer, surface layer (inertial layer) and outer layer. As an interpretive literature survey, the vertical depth of the influence of surface heterogeneity, relative to such vertical structure, is examined in terms of blending height theory, convective boundary-layer scaling and internal boundary-layer theory. These concepts are examined with data over different surface types. The rich variety of types of surface heterogeneity and background flow preclude description of their influence on the boundary layer by one single approach. Nonetheless, new scaling arguments offer promise for convective conditions. Internal boundary layers are found to form only in certain situationsand even then may exhibit more diffuse vertical structure comparedto the textbook internal boundary layer. New scaling arguments aredeveloped to describe the potential for internal boundary-layerdevelopment in flow of warm air over a cooler surface. These argumentsexplain some aspects of the observations but remain incomplete.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1002482332477
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