Low-level buoyancy as a tool to understand boundary layer transitions

Abstract

Advancements in remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPASs) introduced a new way to observe the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Adequate sampling of the lower atmosphere is key to improving numerical weather models and understanding fine-scale processes. The ABL’s sensitivity to changes in surface fluxes leads to rapid changes in thermodynamic variables. This study proposes using low-level buoyancy to characterize ABL transitions. Previously, buoyancy has been used as a bulk parameter to quantify stability. Higher-resolution data from RPASs highlight buoyancy fluctuations. RPAS profiles from two field campaigns are used to assess the evolution of buoyancy under convective and stable boundary layers. Data from these campaigns included challenging events to forecast accurately, such as convection initiation and a low-level jet. Throughout the daily ABL transition, results show that the ABL height determined by the minimum in vertical buoyancy gradient agrees well with proven ABL height metrics, such as potential temperature gradient maxima. Moreover, in the cases presented, low-level buoyancy rapidly increases prior to the convection initiation and rapidly decreases prior to the onset of a low-level jet. Low-level buoyancy is a force that is sensitive in space and time and, with further analysis, could be used as a forecasting tool. This study expounds on the utility of buoyancy in the ABL and offers potential uses for future research.