The impact of valley geometry on daytime thermally driven flows and vertical transport processes

Abstract

The influence of valley geometry on thermally driven flows is studied by means of high‐resolution simulations. An idealized valley–plain topography and a spatially constant but time‐dependent surface sensible heat flux are used to generate upslope, upvalley and plain‐to‐mountain winds. A systematic variation of valley depth, width and length induces differences in the cross‐ and along‐valley flow field and thermal structure of the boundary layer. The deeper the valley, the stronger the upvalley winds and the more favoured the formation of vertically stacked circulation cells and an elevated valley inversion layer. Upvalley winds become weaker for wide valleys. The development of plain‐to‐mountain circulations increases vertical exchange processes between the boundary layer and the free atmosphere considerably, compared with vertical transport processes over a plain. The analysis of mass‐flux budgets and forward trajectories indicates that mass is transported three to four times more effectively from the surface to the free atmosphere over valleys than over flat terrain. Vertical transport processes are strongest for deep and narrow valleys.