Surface Layer and Energy Budget Parameterizations for Mesoscale Models

Abstract

A transcendental equation is presented for the Monin-Obukhov length L based upon (i) the Businger-Dyer surface layer formulations, (ii) parameterizations of the moisture flux, ground storage, and radiation terms in the surface energy budget; and (iii) the wind and temperature at 10 m above a surface characterized by a roughness length z_o. The surface temperature, friction velocity and sensible heat flux are obtained from the computed value of L.