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Ondes de gravite interfaciales marginalement instables dans la couche limite planetaire |
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| Authors: | P Mascart B Guillemet H Isaka |
| Institution: | (1) Laboratoire Associé de Météorologie Physique, Université de Clermont II, Clermont, France |
| Abstract: | Wavelike motions within a strong morning inversion of the planetary boundary layer were investigated experimentally using two atmospheric research aircraft: an Aerocommander 280FL and a Cessna 206. The Aerocommander aircraft, instrumented for the measurement of rapid fluctuations of temperature, water vapour density and air velocities, was flown horizontally at different levels within the inversion layer in order to document adequate data on the wave motion. An example of such motions observed on 8 June, 1974 is described and analyzed in the present paper. The aircraft records obtained within the inversion layer at about 600 m above the ground show large fluctuations of the meteorological variables with well-defined amplitudes and wavelengths.Spectra and cross-spectra of temperature, water vapour density and air velocities were computed and analyzed to determine characteristics of gravity waves according to the method described by Metcalf (1975). These spectra exhibit a sharp maximum associated with high coherences at a particular wavelength. In this narrow spectral band, phase angles ±90 ° are obtained between vertical velocity and temperature as well as between vertical and horizontal velocities. These features suggest that observed motions are horizontally propagating trapped or evanescent waves. They enable us to estimate true wavelengths (500 m), wave vector azimuths, intrinsic frequencies and phase velocities of these waves. These results appear to be mutually consistent. Furthermore, it is possible to confirm these latter with the detailed vertical profiles of the boundary layer provided by the Cessna aircraft making spiral soundings. In this regard, the vertical structure of the Brunt-Väisälä frequency confirms that the waves are everywhere evanescent except within a thin highly stable layer between the diurnal mixed layer and the overlapping inversion. Moreover, examination of the wind profiles reveals that the interfacial vertical wind shear might be a relevant parameter reducing phase velocities. Such a conclusion is also supported by the observed wave vector directions which appear to be closely parallel to the wind shear vectors at the 600-m level. Additional confirmation is found by comparing the observed wavelengths to those predicted by applying the hydrodynamical stability model of Hazel (1972) to the measured profiles. Although the wind shear clearly plays a role in wave development, local heat flux and temperature variance values show that in this case the instability is only a marginal and sporadic event embedded in nearly neutral waves. Accordingly, it is argued that the observed motions are interfacial waves at the inversion base level, the amplitude and wave vector azimuth of which are controlled by the vertical wind shear.Ondes de gravite interfaciales marginalement instables dans la couche limite planetaire Résumé Des ondes de gravité interfaciales progressives sont étudiées à l'aide de deux avions dans la couche limite planétaire. Les spectres des vitesses et de la température fournissent les directions et vitesses de propagation. La comparaison des résultats aux profils verticaux du vent et de la température montre que ces ondes sont marginalement instables sous l'effet du cisaillement vertical du vent. IOPG, 12, avenue des Landais - 63001 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex. Complexe Scientifique des Cézeaux BP 45 - 63170 Aubiere. |
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