Diurnal changes in the atmospheric boundary layer height in tropical coastal regions

To study tropical meteorology, a basic understanding of the PBL is required incorporating the major processes including surface energy balances. Diurnal changes in the PBL height are directly affected by the major components of these balances. Forecasting an accurate PBL height allows more accurate hurricane models.

Utilizing a column model of the boundary layer, short-term forecasts under weak synoptic forcing allow for consistent evaluation of the evolution of PBL structure. A seasonally averaged regional diurnal cycle for the tropical PBL in coastal regions around the world is identified under stable conditions based on available vertical profile soundings. This allows for better understanding of required parameterization of physical processes, thermodynamic processes, and boundary layer/synoptic scale interactions for larger scale model simulations.