Shallow cumulus processes deduced from subcloud flux measurements and parameterization schemes
The purposes of this study are to improve understanding of shallow cumulus in the planetary boundary layer (PBL), to quantitatively measure their subcloud root processes, and to link those measurements to estimates of cloud layer processes. Subcloud aircraft turbulence data for three days from the 1986 HAPEX project in southwest France is extensively analyzed. Various parameterizations of cloud layer processes are used to estimate cumulus layer effects by employing the subcloud fluxes as boundary conditions. Case 1 (5/21/86) had active cumuli; over the forest they were deep and large in diameter, but clouds over farmland were shallow and small in diameter. Case 2 (5/9/86) has also weak active cumulus with a smaller vertical depth and case 3 (6/13/86) had only forced cumuli. Four methods of decomposition of turbulence data have been employed: by land surface-cumulus regime, by proximity to clouds and clear areas, by scale, and by turbulence process types. In the presence strong active cumuli from case 1, the turbulent fluxes and energy are intensified, due to the cloud [open quotes]root[close quotes] effects. The strong active cumuli are initiated by warm-moist thermals. Since cumulus layer flux measurements were not made during the HAPEX experiment, different parameterization schemes have been used to estimate cloud layer fluxes. The schemes are: the simple cumulus flux scheme, the Betts-Miller adjustment scheme, an eddy diffusion scheme, and a new eddy diffusion scheme with counter-gradient term which is developed as a part of this study. For the strong active cumulus regime from case 1, the liquid water potential temperature and total water fluxes obtained from different parameterization schemes yield very similar results. Unlike the other parameterization schemes, the new eddy diffusion scheme with a counter-gradient term yields upward buoyancy fluxes which are in a good agreement with earlier studies.
- Research Organization:
- Wisconsin Univ., Madison, WI (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 6979537
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph.D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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