The Importance of the Boundary Layer Parameterization in the Prediction of Low-Level Convergence Lines

Abstract

AbstractThe importance of the boundary layer parameterization in the numerical prediction of low-level convergence lines over northeastern Australia is investigated. High-resolution simulations of convergence lines observed in one event during the 2002 Gulf Lines Experiment are carried out using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5). Calculations using five different parameterizations are compared with observations to determine the optimum scheme for capturing these lines. The schemes that give the best agreement with the observations are the three that include a representation of countergradient fluxes and a surface layer scheme based on Monin–Obukhov theory. One of these, the Medium-Range Forecast scheme, is slightly better than the other two, based on its ability to predict the surface pressure distribution. The findings are important for the design of mesoscale forecasting systems for the arid regions of Australia and elsewhere.