An Experiment with an Advanced Surface Parameterization in a Mesobeta-Scale Model. Part III: Comparison with the HAPEX-MOBILHY Dataset

Abstract

In this last part, a detailed comparison of the model predictions with all the HAPEX-MOBILHY dataset available within a mesoscale subdomain is carried out. The simulation subdomain encompasses a fraction of a pine forest and of a nearby agricultural area. The predicted surface fields at noon are strongly related to the horizontal inhomogeneities of the vegetation. By comparing the predicted surface energy fluxes with local observations, it is found that the model reproduces a realistic partitioning of energy over the forest and the crops. This results in a good prediction of the deep daytime boundary layer over the forest where sensible heat flux and friction velocity are stronger. The problem of area-averaged fluxes is addressed from a comparison between predicted turbulent quantities and aircraft estimates at three levels within the boundary layer.