Characterization of the Daytime Convective Boundary Layer Using Numerical Simulations and Radar Field Experiments

该项目将结合边界层雷达(BLR)和大涡数值模拟(LES)方法的独特组合来研究行星边界层。这两种方法将通过开发和实现一个先进的雷达模拟器来综合。该模拟器可用于开发新的雷达配置和能力，并更好地解释BLR观测。方法：将使用LES代码来生成代表各种气象条件下的清晰对流边界层(CBL)的数据。大涡模拟的输出参数包括三维速度场、次滤子湍动能场、位温和比湿度。LES将成为即将开发的雷达模拟器的一个组成部分。一个虚拟的BLR将被编程，它将能够使用包括多波束和频率在内的各种雷达配置来探测LES生成的大气场。还将收集对流边界层数据，包括从现场仪器和几个实地实验的雷达观测中确定的大气特性。将对相同边界层情况下的实际雷达观测和虚拟雷达观测进行比较。这些实验将在位于俄克拉荷马州拉蒙特东南部的大平原南部能源部大气辐射测量计划的中心设施进行。知识价值：LES和雷达方法的合并将提供一个独特的机会，以调查LES和各种其他表征CBL的手段的有效性和适用性，特别是那些为处理BLR观测而设计的手段。一旦开发出来，雷达模拟器就可以用来解决研究中概述的研究目标之外的问题，例如开发更复杂的雷达观测技术，以及在更复杂的边界层情况下解释BLR观测。虚拟BLR将成为参与世界各地研究的雷达和边界层界广泛使用的一种工具。更广泛的影响：通过因特网向研究界提供研究结果，并在专业会议和期刊出版物上广泛介绍研究结果，将鼓励LES和雷达界之间的相互促进。研究人员正在带头在俄克拉荷马大学开发一门关于天气雷达和仪器的新的跨学科课程。这项研究的结果将被纳入课程，该课程提供雷达和仪器的深入教育，重点是实践经验。该方案的这一方面直接解决了气象界领导人对缺乏使用仪器的专门知识的主要关切。最后，为了帮助解决将更多代表性不足的群体纳入气象学和工程学的需求，该项目的研究人员一直在积极与校园内的项目互动，这些项目在招聘女性和少数族裔方面提供帮助。

This project will combine a unique combination of boundary layer radar (BLR) and large eddy numerical simulation (LES) approaches to the study of the planetary boundary layer. These two approaches will be synthesized through the development and implementation of an advanced radar simulator. This simulator can be used to develop new radar configurations and capabilities, and to better interpret BLR observations.Method: An LES code will be used to generate data representative of a clear convective boundary layer (CBL) under various meteorological conditions. Output parameters of the LES include three-dimensional fields of velocity, subfilter turbulence kinetic energy, potential temperature, and specific humidity. The LES will form an integral component of the radar simulator to be developed. A virtual BLR will be programmed that will be capable of probing the LES-generated atmospheric fields using a variety of radar configurations, including multiple beams and frequencies. Convective boundary layer data, including atmospheric properties determined from in situ instrumentation as well as radar observations, from several field experiments, will also be collected. Actual and virtual radar observations will be compared for the same boundary layer situations. These experiments will be conducted at the central facility of the Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program Southern Great Plains site located southeast of Lamont, Oklahoma. Intellectual Merit: The consolidation of LES and radar approaches will provide a unique opportunity to investigate the effectiveness and applicability of both LES and various other means of characterizing the CBL, especially those designed to work with BLR observations. Once developed, the radar simulator can be used to address research objectives beyond those outlined in the study, such as development of more sophisticated radar observing techniques, and interpretation of BLR observations in more complex boundary layer situations. The virtual BLR will become a tool that can be used by the radar and boundary layer community at large involved in studies around the world for a wide range of applications. Broader Impacts: Cross-fertilization between the LES and radar communities will be encouraged by making the results readily available to the research community via the Internet and by widely presenting findings of the study at professional meetings and through journal publications. The investigators are taking the lead in developing a new cross-disciplinary curriculum at the University of Oklahoma on weather radar and instrumentation. Results from this study will be incorporated into the curriculum, which provides an in-depth education in radar and instrumentation with emphasis on a hands-on experience. This aspect of the program directly addresses a major concern among leaders in the meteorological community concerning the lack of expertise in the use of instrumentation. Finally, to help address the needs to incorporate more underrepresented groups into meteorology and engineering, the investigators on this project have been actively interacting with programs on campus that offer assistance in recruiting women and minorities.