| The atmospheric boundary layer of the atmosphere is a very difficult structure to simulate, particularly with respect to marine-terrestrial interfaces such as those found in the Northeast. Much progress has been made in the development of fine resolution physical parameterization schemes to obtain realistic structures. The NCAR/Penn State Mesoscale Model version 5 (MM5) offers the user seven boundary layer parameterization techniques. Five of these options, the MRF, the Gayno-Seaman (GS), the Blackadar (BLK), the Burk-Thompson (BT), and the Mellor-Yamada (MY) were evaluated for Chatham, MA; Brookhaven, NY; and Albany, NY on nine clear, high pressure days, to determine the applicability to these regions. The 12, 24, 36, and 48 hour forecasts of boundary layer structure were compared to sounding data observed at each location.; All of the parameterizations predicted excessive moisture at all locations and cooler than observed potential temperature profiles. The model biases resulted in underdeveloped daytime boundary layer heights with the MY and BT being the poorest performers. |
