Influence of intermittency on similarity theory

Exploration of u*-heat flux space for stable conditions reveals an equilibrium regime where the heat flux is a functional relationship of the friction velocity. For this regime, the Obukhov length can be expressed as a unique function of the friction velocity without information on the heat flux. Deviations from this relationship are related to nonstationarity and intermittency. Various definitions of intermittency are explored. The relationship of nondimensional turbulence quantities to the gradient Richardson number and z/L are contrasted where L is the Obukhov length. The role of self-correlation and other difficulties are examined. Deviations from the similarity theory are systematically related to intermittency. In addition, the intermittency leads to more efficient momentum transport and increased eddy Prandtl number.