Application of a GOY model to atmospheric boundary layer data

Abstract. This article analyzes the possibility of applying a GOY theoretical model to atmospheric boundary layer data. Bearing this in mind, relative scaling exponents of velocity structure functions are used to compare the model with the data under study. In the model, these exponents are set based on two parameters (q and δ), which are appropriate to define the model that better features a certain atmospheric state.

From these scaling exponents, the gap between 2-D and 3-D turbulence is observed in the model, depending on the fact that δ is higher or lower than unity, respectively.

Atmospheric data corresponding to very different states of stratification stability have been analyzed. For convective or near-neutral situations (usually associated to 3-D turbulence), it is possible to find parameters q and δ to define a model that fits the measured data. More stable situations can be featured by GOY models with higher values of δ. However, it is clear that it is impossible to represent nocturnal situations of strong stable stratification (with a more similar behaviour to 2-D) with this type of model.