Abstract

Realistic multiscale simulations involve coupling of mesoscale and large-eddy simulation (LES) models, thus requiring efficient generation of turbulence in nested LES domains. Herein, we extend our previous work on the cell perturbation (CP) method to nonneutral atmospheric boundary layers (ABLs)... Show moreRealistic multiscale simulations involve coupling of mesoscale and large-eddy simulation (LES) models, thus requiring efficient generation of turbulence in nested LES domains. Herein, we extend our previous work on the cell perturbation (CP) method to nonneutral atmospheric boundary layers (ABLs). A modified Richardson number scaling is proposed to determine the amplitude of the potential temperature perturbations in stable ABLs, with Ri(m) approximate to -1.0 overall providing optimum turbulence transition to a fully developed state (fetch reduced by a factor of 4-5, compared to the unperturbed cases). In the absence of perturbations, turbulence onset is triggered by a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, typically occurring in the vicinity of the low-level jet maximum. It is found that a turbulent length scale l = q(1/2)/N can be used tomore accurately estimate the optimum Ri(m), where q is the turbulence kinetic energy, and N is the Brunt-Vaisala frequency. In convective ABLs, a perturbation amplitude based on mixed layer temperature variance scaling is proposed: sigma(theta). For that criterion to be optimum, the ratioU(ci)/w(*), where U-ci is the wind speed at the top of the capping inversion, and w(*) is the convective velocity scale, needs to be incorporated: sigma(theta) (U-ci/w(*)). This allows us to account for the competing roles of the surface thermal instability and the mean flow advection. For Uci/w* approximate to 10, the development fetch is reduced by a factor of approximate to 6, while when U-ci/w(*) less than or similar to 3, the use of the CP method does not provide a significant advantage in the ability to generate turbulence, provided a smooth mesoscale inflow. Show less