An Extremum Solution of the Monin-Obukhov Similarity Equations
Author(s)
Wang, Jingfeng; Bras, Rafael L.
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An extremum hypothesis of turbulent transport in the atmospheric surface layer is postulated. The hypothesis has led to a unique solution of Monin–Obukhov similarity equations in terms of simple expressions linking shear stress (momentum flux) and heat flux to mean wind shear and temperature gradient. The extremum solution is consistent with the well-known asymptotic properties of the surface layer. Validation of the extremum solution has been made by comparison to field measurements of momentum and heat fluxes. Furthermore, a modeling test of predicting surface heat fluxes using the results of this work is presented. A critical reexamination of the interpretation of the Obukhov length is given.
Date issued
2010-02Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Parsons Laboratory for Environmental Science and Engineering (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)Journal
Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
Publisher
American Meteorological Society
Citation
Wang, Jingfeng, and Rafael L Bras. “An Extremum Solution of the Monin–Obukhov Similarity Equations.” Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences 67.2 (2010): 485-499. © 2010 American Meteorological Society
Version: Final published version
ISSN
0022-4928
1520-0469