THE DIURNAL TEMPERATURE WAVE FOR BOUNDED EDDY CONDUCTIVITY

Abstract

Although the coefficient of eddy conductivity varies considerably with time, observations show that this variation cannot in all cases correctly be considered sinusoidal. Solutions for the diurnal temperature wave with the coefficient a function of height alone are less cumbersome and apparently as applicable as those for the coefficient having a sinusoidal time variation. Coefficients unbounded with, height are not observed; solutions for unbounded coefficients cannot be applied at higher levels, and their significance at lower levels is questionable. A solution for an increasing but bounded coefficient is derived. This solution shows in several respects better agreement with observations than previous solutions for the coefficient unbounded.