Diagnostics derivation of boundary layer parameters from the outputs of atmospheric models

In this paper a scheme is discussed which can be used to derive the boundary layer similarity parameters on the basis of information provided by atmospheric models. The quantities which are considered are the friction velocity, the Obukhov length, the boundary layer height and near surface variables such as wind, temperature and humidity. The necessary inputs are the mean values for wind, temperature and humidity on grid points of the atmospheric model. In the paper the outputs of the routines are illustrated for receptor points above land and sea, using forecasted and analyzed fields of the limited area model at KNMI. The outputs of the scheme are intended for use in air pollution dispersion studies, ocean wave and storm-surge models, and for direct use by forecasters.