The Energy Budget in a Clear Air Turbulence Zone as Observed by Aircraft

Abstract

High sample rate aircraft data in a zone of moderate turbulence are analyzed to determine a turbulent energy budget. Combination of the Reynolds stress, buoyancy, and frictional dissipation terms produces a good balance. A further look at the Reynolds stress component shows the relation of the turbulent zone growth and decay with the synoptic situation. The need is demonstrated for including turbulent mixing processes in modeling fronts.