Characterizing turbulent transport in realistic atmospheric boundary layers

Motivated by the need to better understand and predict exchange processes between the land surface and the atmosphere and their impact on weather and climate, the past decades have seen substantial efforts devoted to studying atmospheric turbulence within and above natural and built environments. The current understanding of such a flow phenomenon is largely rooted in studies of equilibrium boundary layers over and within idealized rough surfaces. Yet, the real world is characterized by flow unsteadiness, three-dimensionality in mean flow, and intricate surface morphologies that defy precise measurement. Under these conditions, the airflow may experience departures from equilibrium with the underlying surface stress, misalignment of shear and strain rates, persistent large-scale secondary circulations, and model predictions may feature a high degree of uncertainty. Fundamental questions remain unanswered regarding structural changes of atmospheric turbulence under such realistic scenarios, challenging our ability to comprehend and predict land-atmosphere interaction across a spectrum of practical situations. In this talk, I will highlight recent efforts in my group devoted.

*Refreshments: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Atrium)