On the Depth of the Equatorial Planetary Boundary Layer

Abstract

The solutions of the linear equatorial boundary layer are evaluated and found to be dependent on both the depth of the modelled boundary layer and the mode of symmetry about the equator. The inclusion of the frictional effect at levels higher than the usually assumed 1-km boundary layer depth is crucial to the concentration of convergence around the critical latitude. It is therefore suggested that the top of the boundary layer in tropical wave models should be properly selected in order to represent the deep convergence around the critical latitude.