Limitations of the Monin-Oboukhov similarity theory for the turbulent transfer of momentum in unstable conditions in the atmospheric surface layer

1975 ◽  
Vol 101 (427) ◽  
pp. 169-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
JR GARRATT
Keyword(s):  
Surface Layer ◽  
Atmospheric Surface Layer ◽  
Similarity Theory ◽  
Turbulent Transfer

scholarly journals Atmospheric surface layer characteristics of turbulence above the Pantanal wetland regarding the similarity theory

2008 ◽  
Vol 148 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 883-892 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.P. Marques Filho ◽  
L.D.A. Sá ◽  
H.A. Karam ◽  
R.C.S. Alvalá ◽  
A. Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Layer ◽  
Atmospheric Surface Layer ◽  
Similarity Theory ◽  
Pantanal Wetland

scholarly journals Random Errors in Turbulence Measurements in the Atmospheric Surface Layer: Implications for Monin–Obukhov Similarity Theory

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 3700-3714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott T. Salesky ◽  
Marcelo Chamecki
Keyword(s):  
Surface Layer ◽  
Diurnal Variation ◽  
Atmospheric Surface Layer ◽  
Friction Velocity ◽  
Similarity Theory ◽  
Statistical Hypothesis ◽  
Random Errors ◽  
Propagation Analysis ◽  
Error Propagation Analysis ◽  
First Time

Abstract An error propagation analysis is conducted to estimate random errors in the friction velocity u* and the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) stability variable z/L from estimated random errors in the turbulent fluxes. Errors in the dimensionless mean wind shear φm and mean temperature gradient φh are also estimated. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that errors in calculated values of z/L, φm, and φh have been systematically analyzed. Random errors in z/L are found to be large for unstable conditions, reaching values of 40% or greater. It is shown through statistical hypothesis tests that random errors cannot explain departures of calculated values of φm and φh from theory. The deviation of calculated values of φm from empirical curves is found to have a strong diurnal variation that increases with height; deviations of φh from theory are not found to have clear diurnal variation. These results support the findings of previous studies, which have suggested that additional dimensionless parameters representing additional physical processes need to be included in the set of governing parameters for surface layer similarity. Implications for atmospheric surface layer turbulence are also discussed.

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