Similarity theory in the relation between fluxes and gradients in the lower atmosphere

✍ Scribed by R. J. Taylor

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1960
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 630 KB
• Volume: 86
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0035-9009
• DOI: 10.1002/qj.49708636705

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Available data on wind and temperature profiles and heat and momentum fluxes in the lower atmosphere have been examined in the light of the similarity theory of Monin and Obukhov (1954) and, except in conditions of very strong lapse where some doubt remains, reasonable agreement is found.

The ‘log + linear’ profile form is investigated and it is shown that, in lapse conditions, it is applicable only to a very limited range of stability corresponding approximately with forced convection conditions. The constant, α, which enters into this profile is about 6 and thus considerably larger than the value proposed by Monin and Obukhov. The discrepancy is due to these authors' having applied the profile to a larger range of stability than is justified.

Subject to the reservation expressed for the case of very strong lapse conditions, the similarity scheme has been shown to extend to free convection conditions where a – ⅓ power form of profile is more appropriate. The relevant constants are estimated.