Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

A Thermal Plume Model for the Convective Boundary Layer: Representation of Cumulus Clouds

Catherine Rio Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique du CNRS, IPSL, Paris, France

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Frédéric Hourdin Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique du CNRS, IPSL, Paris, France

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Print Publication:
01 Feb 2008
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/2007JAS2256.1
Page(s):
407–425
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Abstract

The “thermal plume model,” a mass-flux scheme combined with a classical diffusive approach, originally developed to represent turbulent transport in the dry convective boundary layer, is extended here to the representation of cloud processes. The modified parameterization is validated in a 1D configuration against results of large eddy simulations (LES), as well as in a 3D configuration against in situ measurements, for a series of cases of dry and cloudy convective boundary layers. Accounting for coherent structures of the mixed layer with the mass-flux scheme improves the representation of the diurnal cycle of the boundary layer, particularly its progressive deepening during the day and the associated near-surface drying. Results also underline the role of the prescription of the mixing of air between the plume and its environment, and of submean-plume fluctuations.

Corresponding author address: Catherine Rio, Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, UPMC, Tour 45-55, 3ème étage, BP-99, Jussieu, 4 place Jussieu, 75 005 Paris, France. Email: catherine.rio@lmd.jussieu.fr

Abstract

The “thermal plume model,” a mass-flux scheme combined with a classical diffusive approach, originally developed to represent turbulent transport in the dry convective boundary layer, is extended here to the representation of cloud processes. The modified parameterization is validated in a 1D configuration against results of large eddy simulations (LES), as well as in a 3D configuration against in situ measurements, for a series of cases of dry and cloudy convective boundary layers. Accounting for coherent structures of the mixed layer with the mass-flux scheme improves the representation of the diurnal cycle of the boundary layer, particularly its progressive deepening during the day and the associated near-surface drying. Results also underline the role of the prescription of the mixing of air between the plume and its environment, and of submean-plume fluctuations.

Corresponding author address: Catherine Rio, Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, UPMC, Tour 45-55, 3ème étage, BP-99, Jussieu, 4 place Jussieu, 75 005 Paris, France. Email: catherine.rio@lmd.jussieu.fr

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