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Turbulence Reynolds number and the turbulent kinetic energy balance in the atmospheric surface layer

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Abstract

The relation between the turbulence Reynolds numberR λ and a Reynolds numberz* based on the friction velocity and height from the ground is established using direct measurements of the r.m.s. longitudinal velocity and turbulent energy dissipation in the atmospheric surface layer. Measurements of the relative magnitude of components of the turbulent kinetic energy budget in the stability range 0 >z/L ≥ 0.4 indicate that local balance between production and dissipation is maintained. Approximate expressions, in terms of readily measured micrometeorological quantities, are proposed for the Taylor microscale λ and the Kolmogorov length scale η.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIRO, Division of Environmental Mechanics, 2601, Canberra, A.C.T., Australia

    E. F. Bradley

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Newcastle, 2308, N.S.W., Australia

    R. A. Antonia & A. J. Chambers

Authors
  1. E. F. Bradley
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  2. R. A. Antonia
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  3. A. J. Chambers
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Bradley, E.F., Antonia, R.A. & Chambers, A.J. Turbulence Reynolds number and the turbulent kinetic energy balance in the atmospheric surface layer. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 21, 183–197 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02033936

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