Evening transitions of the atmospheric boundary layer: characterization, case studies and WRF simulations

Abstract. Micrometeorological observations from two months (July–August 2009) at the CIBA site (Northern Spanish plateau) have been used to evaluate the evolution of atmospheric stability and turbulence parameters along the evening transition to a Nocturnal Boundary Layer. Turbulent Kinetic Energy thresholds have been established to distinguish between diverse case studies. Three different types of transitions are found, whose distinctive characteristics are shown. Simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting-Advanced Research WRF (WRF-ARW) mesoscale model of selected transitions, using three different PBL parameterizations, have been carried out for comparison with observed data. Depending on the atmospheric conditions, different PBL schemes appear to be advantageous over others in forecasting the transitions.