Large-eddy simulation of the stable boundary layer and implications for transport and dispersion

Large-eddy simulation (LES) of the evolving stable boundary layer (SBL) provides unique data sets for assessing the effects of stable stratification on transport and dispersion. The simulations include the initial development of the convective boundary layer (CBL) in the afternoon, followed by the development of an SBL after sunset with a strong, surface-based temperature inversion. The structure of the turbulence is modified significantly by negative buoyancy associated with the temperature inversion. The magnitude of velocity variances is reduced by an order of magnitude compared to that in the CBL, and the vertical velocity variance is damped further as the static stability preferentially damps vertical motions. The advanced subgrid-scale turbulence model allows simulation of intermittently enhanced periods of turbulence in the SBL that am often observed. During these turbulent episodes, mixing is increased within the SBL. Air pollution models that account only for the long-term mean structure of the SBL do not include the effects of these episodes. In contrast, our LES results imply that material released near the surface and mixed to higher elevations would be transported by stronger winds and in different directions, due to the vertical shear of horizontal wind speed and direction. Material released at altitude in the SBL will tend to be mixed downward toward the surface during these turbulent episodes in a fumigation-like scenario at night.