A Method to Determine the Capping Inversion of the Convective Boundary Layer

Abstract

A simple mathematical algorithm is proposed to decipher the thermal structure of the convective boundary layer by means of best-fit analysis of soundings or airborne measurements with a smooth ideal profile. The latter includes a constant-potential-temperature mixed layer, a strongly stratified entrainment layer, and a constant-lapse-rate free atmosphere. The resulting profile depends on five parameters amenable, through simple mathematical relationships, to physical variables defining the vertical structure of the layers. The method allows objective evaluation of parameters involved in the test profile and easy comparison of measurements with theoretically expected structure.