A time-varying subsidence parameterization for the atmospheric boundary layer

This study examines the effect of a time-varying parameterization for subsidence in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) on a one-dimensional coupled land-atmosphere model. Measurements of large-scale divergence in the ABL are scarce and often marred by error, providing the motivation to model this important physical process and estimate its values from indirect but related observations. Constant parameterizations of-large- scale divergence and/or subsidence velocity are adequate for periods within a characteristic synoptic time scale, but longer studies require a parameterization that yields to local atmospheric change. After confirming the potential significance of subsidence in the ABL, this experiment investigates two key areas: (1) the ability to model subsidence change as a response to estimated time-varying model error and (2) the net improvement and potential benefits of this enhancement. This study indicates a consistent reduction of root-mean-square error scores for the time-varying subsidence (divergence) parameter scheme versus a constant parameterization for the 2 m specific humidity measurement, with negligible change to the 2 m temperature measurement.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Flagg, David D. (David Douglas)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dara Entekhabi.

• Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/33725

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/33725