Evolution of boundary layer height in response to surface and mesoscale forcing
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Authors
Moore, Matthew J.
Subjects
Marine Atmosphere Measurement Lab (MAML)
Wind profiler/Radio acoustic sounding system (RASS)
Boundary layer depth
Mixed layer model
Wind profiler/Radio acoustic sounding system (RASS)
Boundary layer depth
Mixed layer model
Advisors
Wang, Qing
Date of Issue
2005-03
Date
March 2005
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis study focuses on understanding the dissipation processes of the stratocumulus deck after sunrise. This objective is met through careful analyses of observational data as well as model simulations. Measurements from the Marine Atmosphere Measurement Lab (MAML) of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) are used in this study. In particular, the half-hourly wind profiler/Radio Acoustic Sounding System (RASS) measurements were used to determine the boundary layer top and the evolution of the boundary layer mean thermodynamic properties during the cloud breakup period. Measurements from a laser ceilometer and the routine surface measurements are also used to detect the variation of cloud base height, the evolution of the cloud deck, and the onset of sea breeze. These measurements revealed the increase of the boundary layer depth after sunrise followed by a decrease of the boundary layer depth after the onset of the sea breeze, which points to the role of surface heating and sea breeze development in modulating cloud evolution. The effects of surface heating and sea breeze are further tested using a 1-dimensional mixed layer model modified for coastal land surfaces.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Meteorology
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
xiv, 59 p. : col. ill.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.