A THEORETICAL EXPRESSION FOR THE ROOT MEAN SQUARE VERTICAL EDDY FLUCTUATION

Abstract

A theoretical expression is derived for the root-mean-square vertical-eddy fluctuation in terms of the friction velocity, the height and Monin and Obukhov's function ?. Steady-state conditions and constant shearing stress are assumed. It is shown that increases with height under superadiabatic conditions, is constant with height when the lapse rate is adiabatic and decreases with height during inversions. Indirect evidence suggests that the height variation of can be approximated by a power law.