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National Science Foundation Award #0538453

Understanding, Parameterizing and Modeling the Strongly Stratified Atmospheric Boundary Layer Processes over the Antarctic Plateau

 
Investigator(s): Sukanta Basu (PI)
Sponsor: Texas Tech University, TX 79409 8067423884
Start Date/Expiration Date 2006-05-01 to 2007-04-30 (amended 2006-03-29)
Awarded Amount to Date: $57,959
Abstract: The proposed work is a meteorological investigation of the structure of the antarctic boundary layer with the goal of improving existing, or formulating new stable boundary layer parameterizations for mesoscale atmospheric models, using a combination of innovative approaches, such as large-eddy simulations, statistical analyses of field measurements, and next-generation modeling techniques. The specific objectives are to investigate and improve the capabilities of existing large-eddy simulation (LES) subgrid-scale modeling techniques in simulating strongly stratified atmospheric boundary layers; systematically validate the LES results against available antarctic field observations, and propose improved and physically based flux parameterizations for mesoscale models based on LES-generated databases in conjunction with field observations. Large-eddy simulation is a modeling technique that has become an important tool for simulating the detailed structure of turbulent flows in various applications, including the boundary layers in the lower atmosphere and the upper ocean. LES is used to study in detail how boundary layers transfer heat, momentum and trace chemical constituents, and how to represent these processes in weather prediction and climate models. Essentially it is a high resolution model embedded within a lower resolution model that solves numerically the Navier-Stokes equations for three-dimensional fluid flow, so that it can represent the important turbulent motions, or eddies in the flow. The proposed work would make fundamental contributions to the study of stably stratified flows, which extend well beyond the immediate application to antarctic meteorology.
NSF Org: ANT - Antarctic Sciences Section
Award Number: 0538453
Award Instrument: Continuing grant
Program Manager: Bernhard Lettau
ANT Antarctic Sciences Section
OPP Office of Polar Programs
NSF Program(s): ANTARCTIC OCEANS & CLIMATE SYS
Field Application(s): Polar Programs-Related
Program Reference Code(s): UNASSIGNED, 0000
Program Element Code(s): 5113