Large-eddy-model closure and simulation of turbulent flux patterns over oasis surface

Abstract

Large-eddy simulations (LESs) have been increasingly used for studying atmosphere and land surface interactions over heterogeneous areas. However, parameterizations based on Monin–Obukhov Similarity Theory (MOST) often violate the basic assumptions of the very theory, generate inconsistencies with the LES turbulence closures, and produce surface flux estimates depending on LES model resolutions. Here, we propose a novel scheme for turbulent flux estimates in LES models. It computes the fluxes locally using the LES subgrid closure, which is then constrained on the macroscopic scale using MOST. Compared with several other schemes, the new scheme performs better for the various types of land surfaces tested. We validate our scheme by comparing surface flux estimates with field measurements obtained over an oasis surface at various height levels. Additionally, we scrutinize other quantities related to the surface energy balance, including net radiation, ground heat flux, and surface skin temperature, all of which align well with observational data. Our sensitivity experiments, focusing on model horizontal resolution, underscore the robustness of our scheme, as it maintains its corrective efficacy despite changes in horizontal grid spacing. We find that the macroscopic constraint imposed by MOST on LES-estimated fluxes strengthens as the horizontal grid spacing decreases, with a more pronounced influence on sensible than latent heat fluxes. These findings collectively highlight the promise and adaptability of our scheme for improved surface flux estimates in LES models.