Parameterization of the planetary boundary layer in atmospheric general circulation models

Abstract

The interaction between the atmosphere and the underlying surface occurs through the planetary boundary layer. The basic information required for describing the large-scale processes in terms of the boundary layer processes relates to the turbulent fluxes of momentum, heat, and moisture, the height of the boundary layer, and surface parameters such as soil moisture content and topography.The numerical models of the atmospheric general circulation incorporate the (statistical) effects of the boundary layer processes in terms of the large-scale parameters computed by the model through parameterization techniques. This paper reviews various parameterization techniques used in current general circulation models and suggests the need for a sensitivity test to find the best one.