Published in:Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1002/qj.4161
ISSN:
0035-9009;
1477-870X
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Gradient‐based implicit similarity functions are derived theoretically from a few variants of the Mellor–Yamada algebraic turbulence‐closure model under assumptions of local equilibrium conditions in a stably stratified shear flow. The solutions are compared with empirical functions presented by Sorbjan. Good agreement is found in the range of gradient Richardson number extending up to around 0.2. The gradient‐based scaling framework offers better accuracy and reliability than the traditional Monin–Obukhov framework, as it circumvents the problems of small values of fluxes and cross‐correlations. It is also possible to separate the specification of the master length‐scale from the calculation of similarity functions describing second moments and dissipation rate. The related discussion of model performance at higher is included. It is unclear whether the current countermeasures against spurious flow decoupling reflect the observed features of turbulence in the very stable regime, due to the apparent breakdown of the Richardson–Kolmogorov energy cascade, as found by Grachev <jats:italic>et al.</jats:italic></jats:p>