Rolls, Streets, Waves, and More: A Review of Quasi-Two-Dimensional Structures in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Abstract

The atmospheric boundary layer is home to a number of horizontally elongated quasi-two-dimensionalphenomena including cloud streets, roll vortices, thermal waves, and surface layer streaks. These phenomena, their dynamics, and their interactions are explored via a review of the literature. Making a clear distinction betweenthe various quasi-two-dimensional phenomena allows improved synthesis of previous results and a betterunderstanding of the interrelationships between phenomena.