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Read Full Article (file size: 221928 bytes) Cited by
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS,
VOL. 34,
L12709,
doi:10.1029/2007GL029505,
2007
Positive surface temperature feedback in the stable nocturnal boundary layer
Justin T. Walters
Research and Environmental Affairs, Southern Company Services, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Richard T. McNider
Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
Xingzhong Shi
Computer Science Department, Alabama A. & M. University, Normal, Alabama, USA
William B. Norris
Earth System Science Center, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabana, USA
John R. Christy
Earth System Science Center, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabana, USA
Abstract
The techniques of nonlinear analysis are used to examine the behavior of the stable nocturnal boundary layer (SNBL) when it
is subjected to changes in incoming radiation or in surface characteristics. A single-column model and nonlinear bifurcation
techniques are used to demonstrate that any atmospheric forcing, such as weak radiative forcing from greenhouse gases or cloud
cover, can trigger a potentially significant positive feedback. Multiple solutions occur in some parameter spaces. This analysis
shows that any forcing that decreases the stability, whether by increasing greenhouse gases or surface heat capacity, can
cause large increases in surface temperature as the SNBL shifts from a weak turbulent regime, which allows the surface to
cool, to a turbulent regime, which mixes warm air from aloft. Positive feedback may be a key factor in interpreting the long-term
observed nocturnal warming trend in the SNBL.
Received 29
January
2007;
accepted 14
May
2007;
published 22
June
2007.
Keywords: diurnal temperature range;
stable boundary layer;
climate.
Index Terms: 1620 Global Change: Climate dynamics (0429, 3309); 1631 Global Change: Land/atmosphere interactions (1218, 1843, 3322); 1622 Global Change: Earth system modeling (1225); 1626 Global Change: Global climate models (3337, 4928); 1694 Global Change: Instruments and techniques.
Read Full Article (file size: 221928 bytes) Cited by
Citation: Walters, J. T., R. T. McNider, X. Shi, W. B. Norris, and J. R. Christy
(2007),
Positive surface temperature feedback in the stable nocturnal boundary layer,
Geophys. Res. Lett.,
34,
L12709,
doi:10.1029/2007GL029505.
Copyright 2007 by the American Geophysical Union.
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