A review of water tank modeling of the convective atmospheric boundary layer

Abstract

Several studies have been selected to review water tank modeling of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and demonstrate that water tank simulations have been a key factor in developing scientific knowledge and promoting further research of the ABL. The areas discussed include similarity analysis of modeling, basic dispersion processes, characteristics of the convective boundary layer (CBL), parameterizations of the entrainment zone (EZ), the characteristics of turbulence in the CBL, and the influence of plain-valley terrain and other inhomogeneities on atmospheric boundary layer structure. Technical values of some parameters are noted and potential improvements in water tank modeling based on continuing advances in new technology are also discussed. The limitations of water tank models for characteristics of the CBL and possible solutions to their limitations are briefly discussed. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.