Small scale processes and entrainment in a stratocumulus marine boundary layer

Lack of resolution is a common problem hampering the use of large eddy simulation models for investigating boundary layer dynamics. Entrainment into the tops of marine stratus is characteristic of this problem. The use of parallel computing as a technique for resolving both boundary layer motions and the entrainment region enables the investigation of the interaction between the moist thermodynamics and turbulence in the entrainment region at very small length scales (dx = 8 m, dz = 4 m). This interaction results in heterogeneity at small scales which is important for correctly diagnosing the details of entrainment. This study presents several numerical experiments at high resolution using a generalization of a 1995 GCSS (GEWEX Cloud System Studies) model intercomparison. Subtle details of the numerical algorithm are found to cause larger differences in entrainment than choice of subgrid model. A kinetic energy budget shows that even for very high resolution, numerical dissipation is usually larger than that produced by the subgrid model. However, the structure of eddies at the inversion is determined mainly by resolution with very little dependence on numerical representation. Inversion properties are converging as resolution approaches an undulation scale. Most of the mixing is confined within 100 meters of the inversion with entraining motions having an aspect ratio of 6 to 1