Evaluation of daytime boundary layer heights from a mesoscale model using profilers/RASS measurements
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Authors
Bloch, Lindsay A.
Subjects
Advisors
Wang, Qing
Date of Issue
2008-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis study focuses on the evaluation of the boundary layer height (BLH) diagnosed from a mesoscale model in comparison to wind profiler/Radio Acoustic Sounding System (RASS) measurements from the profiler site at Miramar Marine Corps Station (MMR). This objective is met through validation of the observed BLH and evaluations of the model BLH using the observed BLH's. In particular, two methods, one uses Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) from the profiler, and the other uses the vertical gradient of virtual potential temperature from RASS, were developed to detect BLH from the profiler/RASS systems. The detected BLH was validated against BLH from rawinsonde measurements. The SNR method gives a better mean BLH in the clear convective unstable BL's while the gradient method shows better correlation with the rawinsonde BLH. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for the inland location (MMR) was compared to these profiler BLH estimates. Although WRF reasonably predicts the general BL behavior, WRF underestimated the BLH by several hundred meters. The WRF diagnosed BLH using the bulk Richardson number was inconsistent with the WRF predicted BL thermodynamics structure. An alternative BLH detection scheme using a gradient method of BLH detection is proposed and tested for WRF, showing better results.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xviii, 71 p. : col. ill. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.