| Summary: | This dissertation investigates whether higher-statistical-order nonlocal turbulence-closure can
be utilized to describe some of the complex features of atmospheric turbulent flows. Transilient
turbulence theory, a nonlocal forcing and mixing model, was chosen as a framework. This theory
describes turbulent transport as a two-dimensional 'transilient' matrix of exchange coefficients
between different layers in the fluid. A new higher-statistical-order nonlocal parameterization of
the transilient matrix is proposed.
The studies of former parameterizations of transilient matrices have indicated the following
main deficiencies: lack of asymmetry of upward and downward motions in convective boundary
layers, improper vertical distribution of turbulent mixing, ad hoc definition of diagonal elements
of transilient matrices, and unrealistically large ranges of turbulent transport. This dissertation
proposes a parameterization that addresses these deficiencies.
The following concepts are utilized in the new parameterization: a virtual turbulent-transport
eddy, convective potential-energy and shear potential-energy of mean-flow instabilities, decomposition
of forcing into symmetric and asymmetric components, prognostic equations for the
nonlocal turbulence kinetic energy budget and for the 3rd statistical moment of the vertical velocity,
a limited turbulent-transport range, and a transilient tendency-matrix as a precursor of
the transilient matrix. The parameterization utilizes eight parameters. A testbed atmospheric
boundary-layer model is created to investigate, evaluate, and compare the new closure with three
other turbulence-closure models and with two large-eddy-simulation data sets.
The evaluation of testbed model led to the following conclusions. The parameterization of
asymmetry qualitatively predicts the overall asymmetry of turbulent transport. An improper vertical
distribution of mixing in convective boundary layers is evident, caused by improper height
and scale-wise structure of buoyancy forcing. The utilization of the new transilient tendencymatrix
successfully removed the necessity to parameterize the diagonal elements of transilient
matrices. The limited transport-range approximation causes sensitivity discretization. Finally,
the parameterization is computationally expensive, mainly due to the cost of solving the prognostic
equations. In summary, the new parameterization has demonstrated the potential to improve
turbulence parameterization, but more work needs to be done. === Science, Faculty of === Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of === Graduate
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