MPO 663-Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer: Professor Bruce Albrecht

 

Goals:

This course focuses on describing and explaining and the structure and evolution of the marine atmospheric boundary layer. There is an emphasis on cloud-topped boundary layers and the trade wind boundary layer. Thus in addition to turbulence, the physical processes considered will include shallow moist convection and radiation.

Course Outline:

  1. Introduction
  1. Definitions and Background
  2. Variables
  3. Wind and Flow
  4. Turbulent Transports
  5. Taylor’s Hypothesis and Observing Techniques
  6. Boundary layer Depth and Structure

I. More Nomenclature and Definitions

  1. Mathematical and Conceptual Tools
  1. Turbulence and Its Spectrum
  2. Spectral Gap
  3. Mean and Turbulent Parts
  4. Basic Statistical Methods
  5. Rules of Averaging
  6. Turbulence Kinetic Energy
  7. Kinematic Flux Eddy Flux
  8. Eddy Flux
  9. Summation Notation
  10. Stresses
  1. Governing Equations for Turbulent Flow
  1. Methodology
  2. Basic Equations
  3. Simplifications and Approximations
  4. Equations for Mean Variables in a Turbulent Flow
  5. Summary of Equations and Simplifications
  1. Mixed Layer Theory
  1. Mixing and Entropy
  2. Governing Equations
  3. Model behavior

  1. Surface Fluxes and Entrainment
  2. Cloud-Topped Boundary Layers
  1. Moisture Variables
  2. Radiative Processes
  3. Observed Structure
  4. Governing Equations
  5. Entrainment
  1. Trade-Wind Boundary Layers
  1. Mean Structure and Fluxes
  2. Moist Convective Processes
  3. Sub-cloud Cloud Layer Interactions
  4. Stratocumulus to Trade Cumulus Transitions
  1. Deep Convection and the Marine Boundary Layer
  1. Controls on Deep Convection
  2. MABL Modification by Downdrafts
  3. Boundary Layer Recovery
  1. Boundary Layer Modeling and Parameterizations

Course Requirements:

Mid Term and Final Exam; Paper and Presentation

Textbooks Referenced:

Garratt, J.R., 192: The Atmospheric Boundary Layer. Cambridge University Press, 316 pp.

Kraus, E. B. and J. A. Businger, 1994: Atmosphere Ocean Interaction, Oxford University press, 362 pp.

Stull, R. B., 1988: An Introduction to Boundary Layer Meteorology. Kluwer Academics, 666 pp.