A Theoretical Study of the Diurnal Wind Variations in the Planetary Boundary Layer

Abstract

An analytical solution of the wind velocity profile is obtained for the horizontally homogeneous planetary boundary layer with constant geostrophic wind velocity and with eddy diffusivity being constant in height and having periodic variations in time. The wind velocity oscillations occur for any disturbances in the flow. The time for a disturbance at the height z and eddy diffusivity A to decay appreciably is A?1z. The analytical solution is used to interpret the wind variations observed at Wichita and Oklahoma City as mainly due to the variations in the pressure gradient.