Choosing a Boundary Layer Parameterization for Tropical Cyclone Modeling.

Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading   Processing Request
  • Additional Information
    • Abstract:
      The boundary layer in a tropical cyclone is in some respects unlike that elsewhere in the atmosphere. It is therefore necessary to evaluate boundary layer parameterizations for their suitability for use in tropical cyclone simulation. Previous work has shown substantial sensitivity to the choice of scheme and identified specific shortcomings in some schemes, but without recommending which schemes are most suitable. Here, several schemes, representative of those available in popular modeling systems, are reviewed and applied in a simplified modeling framework. Based on a comparison with observations and on theoretical grounds, one popular class of schemes is shown to be badly flawed in that it incorrectly predicts the near-surface wind profile, and therefore should not be used. Another is shown to be sensitive to diagnosis of the boundary layer depth, a difficult problem in the core of the tropical cyclone, and caution is advised. The Louis boundary layer scheme and a higher-order closure scheme are, so far as can be discerned, without major problems, and are recommended. The recommendations and discussion herein should help users make a more informed choice of boundary layer parameterization, and to better understand the results that they obtain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
    • Abstract:
      Copyright of Monthly Weather Review is the property of American Meteorological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)