Two-dimensional simulations of katabatic layers observed during the GIMEX experiment
The hydrostatic model SALSA is used to simulate a particular event observed during the Greenland Ice Margin EXperiment "GIMEX" (on July 12th, 1991). The time evolution of the large-scale flow was incorporated in the model through time dependent boundary conditions which were up...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Copernicus Publications
1999-04-01
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| Series: | Annales Geophysicae |
| Online Access: | https://www.ann-geophys.net/17/533/1999/angeo-17-533-1999.pdf |
| Summary: | The hydrostatic model SALSA is used to
simulate a particular event observed during the Greenland Ice Margin EXperiment
"GIMEX" (on July 12th, 1991). The time evolution of the large-scale
flow was incorporated in the model through time dependent boundary conditions
which were updated using the closest upwind sounding. A turbulent scheme for the
stable boundary layer and an appropriate parametrization of the surface fluxes
implemented in the same model, are used for this study. The simulation results
are discussed and compared to the available observations. The computed turbulent
fluxes are correctly estimated. The model predicts a mixing zone of about 1500 m
high which is in good agreement with tundra site observations. Over the ice cap,
the katabatic layer is correctly simulated by the model. Its height of 80-300 m
is well estimated. The comparison between the simulation and observations taken
at ice cap sites is reasonably valid. The ablation computed along the ice cap
corresponds well to the values reconstructed of observations at sites 4 and 9.
Finally, a sensibility study to a specified westward geostrophic wind (2 ms<sup>-1</sup>)
shows that the consideration of this latter improves the simulated tundra wind
evolution.<br><br><b>Key words.</b> Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics
(mesoscale meteorology; polar meteorology; turbulance) |
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| ISSN: | 0992-7689 1432-0576 |