An Algorithm for the Calculation of the Time-Dependent Mixing Height in Coastal Sites

Abstract

This paper describes a simple algorithm for the calculation of the time-dependent mixing height h(t) in coastal sites using wind, temperature, momentum flux, and heat flux time series as input data. A stationary expression for the coastal internal boundary layer height is used to avoid the solution of a partial differential equation for the evolution of h as a function of time and fetch, thus reducing the problem to a direct integration in time. The algorithm has been implemented in a previously developed scheme that allows a continuous calculation over the diurnal cycle. The calculated evolution of h(t) is compared with sodar estimates in a coastal site over a few days.