MODELING SUBCLOUD LAYER STRUCTURE AND INTERACTION WITH A SHALLOW CUMULUS LAYER.

Abstract

A mixed subcloud layer model developed by several authors is coupled with the cumulus flux parameterization proposed by the author. Cloud base mass flux and mass flux gradient are related to subcloud layer parameters and cumulus layer gradients using two parameters, alpha and beta . The alpha symbol is the ratio energy flux to the surface flux. For the simple case of a steady-state transition layer, the subcloud layer heat and moisture budgets are predicted. It is shown that the model is a satisfactory diagnostic tool for subcloud layer budgets and the cloud-subcloud layer interaction, and may have predictive value.