Modelling stable atmospheric boundary layers over snow

• Main Author: Sterk, H.A.M.
• Other Authors: Holtslag, Bert, Steeneveld, Gert-Jan
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Wageningen University 2015
• Subjects: atmospheric boundary-layer; modeling; models; snow; turbulence; weather forecasting; atmosferische grenslaag; modellen; modelleren; sneeuw; turbulentie; weersvoorspelling; Arctic; albedo; Climate change
• Online Access: https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/modelling-stable-atmospheric-boundary-layers-over-snow

Thesis entitled: Modelling Stable Atmospheric Boundary Layers over Snow H.A.M. Sterk Wageningen, 29th of April, 2015 Summary The emphasis of this thesis is on the understanding and forecasting of the Stable Boundary Layer (SBL) over snow-covered surfaces. SBLs typically form at night and in polar regions (especially in winter), when radiative cooling at the surface causes a cooler surface than the overlying atmosphere and a stable stratification develops. This means that potential temperature increases with height and buoyancy effects suppress turbulence. Turbulence is then dominated by mechanical origin. If sufficient wind shear can be maintained, turbulence remains active, otherwise it will cease. A proper representation of SBLs in numerical weather prediction models is critical, since many parties rely on these forecasts. For example, weather prediction is needed for wind energy resources, agricultural purposes, air-quality studies, and aviation and road traffic. Knowledge on SBLs is also essential for climate modelling. In the Arctic regions, climate change is most pronounced due to stronger changes in near-surface temperature compared to other latitudes. Though this `Arctic amplification' is not yet fully understood, possible responsible processes are the ice-albedo feedback, alterations in cloud cover and water vapour, different atmospheric and oceanic circulations, and the weak vertical mixing in the lower atmosphere. However, many interactions exist between these processes. With positive feedbacks, changes are even further enhanced. This could have worldwide consequences, i.e. due to affected atmospheric circulations and sea level rise with Greenland's melting ice-sheets. Scientists try to explain the observed climate changes, as well as provide outlooks for future changes in climate and weather. However, the understanding is hampered by the fact that many model output variables (e.g. regarding the 2 m temperature) vary substantially between models on the one hand, and from observations on the other ...