Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/M009971/1
Improving Understanding and Parameterisation of the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer (MABL) in near coastal regions
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor T Kim, Loughborough University, Wolfson Sch of Mech, Elec & Manufac Eng
- Grant held at:
- Loughborough University, Wolfson Sch of Mech, Elec & Manufac Eng
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Marine
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Boundary Layer Meteorology
- Offshore Wind Turbines
- Wind Power
- Abstract:
- This research aims to provide a better understanding of the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) in near coastal regions. Present understanding of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) comes primarily from land based observations in flat homogeneous terrain. These observations have led to the development of similarity relationships such as that by Monin and Obukhov (MO). It is becoming apparent that MO similarity scaling may not be appropriate for offshore applications, particularly in non-homogeneous situations with land/sea flows and periods of significant thermal stratification. Key to a better understanding of the MABL is detailed meteorological measurements. Such measurements are scarce, though a number of offshore masts and fixed/floating LiDAR devices have started to be deployed by the offshore wind power industry. Data from such installation are generally commercially sensitive and difficult to access. The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult's National Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) has recently installed the NaREC Offshore Anemometry Hub (NOAH) meteological mast 6km from the coast near Blyth, Northumberland. This provides meteorological measurements at multiple heights up to 104m above the sea surface. This mast provide wind resource and environmental data for research and commercial testing. In addition, a coastal LiDAR provides profiles up to 170m, appropriate for studying the land/sea transition. The research student will use the data to study the local MABL. This will be supplemented by additional remote sensing data, e.g. satellite as well as operational forecast and reanalysis datasets. The research will focus on four main areas: Statistical Data Analysis The measured, operational forecast and reanalysis datasets will be statistically analysed to study the structure of the MABL including the development of internal boundary layers (IBLs), the effect of land/sea/air thermal stratification and the effect of humidity and surface layer spray. The analysis will consider the spatial and temporal structure of the MABL including mean and turbulent variations in wind speed, temperature and humidity. If necessary, additional instruments such sonic anemometers, temperature sensors, etc, will be installed to allow a more complete picture of the MABL. Modelling The appropriateness of existing parameterisations of the MABL will be considered including MO similarity theory to see how well they fit observations. Mesoscale and CFD models will be applied to investigate atmospheric circulations in the area of the mast to provide insight into deviations observed from existing theory. Development of an improved model of the MABL Using the results, an improved model for the scaling in the MABL will be developed. This will consider what data are required to accurately predict such as the vertical variation in wind speed. It may be that the non-homogeneous nature of the near-coastal MABL does not lend itself to straightforward similarity laws, in which case the research will consider what data need to be collected within the MABL for a complete parameterisation and the accuracy of numerical modelling as an alternative to direct measurements. The research has the potential to produce a new set of similarity laws applicable to the near-coastal MABL or at least to be provide a significant level of insight into the structure of the MABL and provide guidance in terms of measurements and/or modelling required to fully parameterise the local MABL.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/M009971/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Industrial CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £90,349
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - DSA | Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| £5,227 | £16,587 | £11,001 | £57,537 |
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