Turbulent Transport Near the Ground in Stable Conditions

Abstract

The variation of the nondimensional transfer coefficients, k* and K*, and the Monin-Obukhov function ? in strong stability, are examined. The exchange coefficients for heat, water vapor and momentum are shown to be approximately equal even at large Ri. The relationships suggest that the decay of turbulent motion in the lower atmosphere begins at Ri=0.1, and completely ceases at Ri>0.3. In these nonturbulent conditions the profiles of wind and water vapor show very little variation with height, but the temperature profile reflects the increasing importance of infrared radiation.