A similarity-theory model for wind profile and resistance law in stably stratified planetary boundary layers

Abstract

Abstract A similarity-theory model for the vertical profile of wind velocity components and for the shearing stress at the surface in stably stratified barotropic planetary boundary layers (SBLs) is derived with due regard for the imposed static stability at the outer edge of the SBL and inertial oscillations within the SBL. It is the neglection of the above effects that is suspected to cause poor performance of earlier SBL models. A multi-limit equation for the SBL depth should be used to close the problem in the steady state. The resulting model is designed for use in climate and meso-scale modelling and wind engineering applications.