Atmospheric Turbulence - Detailed Modeling and Characterization from Radosonde Observations

Global Atmospheric Technologies And Sciences, Inc., Newport News VA

Investigators

Abstract

Turbulence in the free atmosphere plays a very important role in energy dissipation and the diffusive transport of heat, momentum, and constituents. Understanding the nature and influences of turbulence is among the most challenging topics in fluid dynamics, atmospheric and ocean sciences. The research will increase understanding of the life cycle of atmospheric turbulence from initiation to decay. It will also put the derivation of atmospheric turbulence quantities on a firmer basis than it is at present. The new study will be done, such as cataloging the climatology of unstable atmospheric layers that have not been done before. A better understanding of the occurrence and influences of atmospheric turbulence will contribute to many aspects of atmospheric science and applications. These range from improving understanding of the role of turbulent transport of atmospheric constituents, for example, to better forecast clear-air turbulence for aviation. A strong Ph.D student will gain expertise in state-of-the-art direct numerical simulation (DNS), radiosonde analysis, and the synergism of merging these efforts. The radiosonde analysis techniques and results will be made publicly available, hopefully stimulating additional investigations by other scientists.