Parameters adjusted to the height specified by z_wanted. Adjustment assumes the modified log-profile is valid at both the observation (ref_ht_wind) and the wanted height (z_wanted), provided that the variable CONVECT is set to zero.

Input Parameters:

Lists input parameters and tables explaining options.
ParameterTypeDescription UnitsArgument Number
dyn_in_prmintDynamic input parameter index none1
dyn_in_valfloatDynamic input value. Usually the mean wind speed at the height (zref) of the anemometer. Other input options are friction velocity (magnitude), wind stress (magnitude), and equivalent neutral wind speed (scatterometer wind speed). Altnernatively, this value can be a vector component of the wind (or other such inputs). see below2
dyn_in_val2floatDynamic input value 2. This value is usually zero because magnitude of the wind is often entered in dyn_in_val. If a vector component is entered in dyn_in_val, then dyn_in_val is the other vector component. see below3
sfc_current1floatSurface current. If the value for dyn_in_val is entered as a speed, then this should be the current speed. The code will assume that they are moving in the same direction. If the value of dyn_in_val is a vector component, then this should be the parallel vector component of the current. none4
sfc_current2floatSurface current second vector component. If the value for dyn_in_val is entered as a speed, then the input current for this vector component should be zero. If dyn_in_val2 is a vector conponent, then this input should be the second vector component for current (parallel the 2nd wind component). none5
convectfloatConvective parameter. Designed to improve heat fluxes at lower wind speeds for models with surface roughness based on an aerodynamically smoother surface and gravity waves. In this implication it should be used with caution because it will adversely impact height adjustment of winds, temperature and humidity. For the assumptions stated above, recommended value between 0.7 and 1.25 (for details see TOGA NOTES #4). For models that include capillary wave also including gustiness would use to different mechanisms to fix systematic errors at low winds speeds, therefore it should not be used. The more advance models with capillary waves utilize gustiness in another manner (blending smooth surfaces with gravity waves and capillary waves (without adversely impacting height adjustment). none6
pressurefloatAtmospheric surface pressure. Note that the 2nd most common error in data entry is to enter this value with the wrong units; don't use mb or hPa. Pa7
air_moist_prmintAtmospheric moisture parameter index none8
air_moist_valfloatValue of the parameter corresponding to the above index see below9
sfc_moist_prmintSurface moisture parameter index none10
sfc_moist_valfloatValue of the parameter corresponding to the above index see below11
salinityfloatSalinity. Enter as a fraction (e.g., 0.0349) rather than parts per thousand none12
ss_prmintSeastate parameter index none13
ss_valfloatValue of the parameter corresponding to the above index see below14
t_airfloatAir temperature at the reference height of the thermometer and humidity sensor C15
SST_prmfloatDisignates the surface temperature as a skin temperature or a bulk temperature. Currently this variable is not used in the code. non16
t_skinfloatSkin temperature of the water. C17
ref_ht_windfloatHeight of the wind observations m18
ref_ht_tqfloatHeight of the temperature observations. Note: in the current version of the code this must equal to height of the humidity observations. m19
z_wantedfloatThe height to which the wind speed, potential temperature, and specific humidity are adjusted. Note that the variable CONVECT should be set to zero for proper height adjustment. m20
astabintAtmospheric stability option none21
eqv_neut_prmintEquivalent Neutral Winds Parameter. Do not confuse this variable with astab (for neutral or non-neutral winds). This variable is for adjusting in situ winds to satellite winds, which are termed equivalent neutral winds. none22
net_heat_fluxintNet radiative flux density through the air/sea interface. This is used in adjusting a bulk SST to a skin temperature. Wm-223
warnfloatSet to zero for no warming written to the screen. Set to one for warning written to the screen. none24
flux_modelintSet to <0 to not use this option. It sets the options for roughness lengths and stability parameterizations to match published flux models as well as modifications to these models. This optionsn is ideal for users unfamilair with the technical details of models and for users that simply want to replicate a published model. Click on the link to a list of the preset options. Alternatively, set this value to <0 and selection options using z0_mom_prm, z0_theta_q_prm, and stable_prm. none25
z0_mom_prmintMomentum roughness length parameterization. To use this input, flux_model must have a value less than zero. none26
z0_theta_q_prmintPotential temperature and moisture roughness length parameterization. To use this input, flux_model must have a value less than zero. none27
stable_prmintStability parameterization. If astab=0 (neutral stability) then this setting has no influence. Furthermore, flux_model must have a value less than zero. none28
oil_area_fractfloatFraction of surface covered by oil. Normally the input value for this parameter is zero. The maximum value is 1.0. Larger value will suppress capillary waves and mimic the supression of shorter gravity waves. none29
z_over_LfloatThe dimensionless Obukhov scale length, were z is the height of the wind observations. This input is used only when the stable_prm is set to allow z/L to be input. none30
zo_mfloatInput momentum roughness length. Used only when zo_mom_prm is set to allow the roughness length to be input. This variable is a two component vector. Currently only the first component is used. The second component is includes in anticipation of code modifications that will work with waves propogating in a direction other than the wind direction. none31
MissingfloatThe value to be used for output data when those output data are missing. none32

Output Variables:

Output fluxes and atmospheric dynamic stability appear to be working well. Wave data output are clearly wrong. The related code will be repaired in a future update.

All output is single precision floating point.

The routine returns a integer value (i.e., a warning flag). Positive values indicate a lack of specific problems. If there are problems with missing input, non-convergence within the algorithm, or if the modeled physics obviously fails to apply, then the output is set to -1. For example, if the thickness of the boundary layer is too small (i.e., the absolute value of the Obhukov scale length less than or equal to 1 m) then the warning flag is set at -1.

ParameterTypeDescription UnitsArgument Number
countfloatDiagnostic indicating if the algorithm converged on a solution. If count < 1 the algorthm has not converged (meaning that the input data are not consistent with the model physics). This typically happens when the wind speed is near zero or an observation height is outside the modified log-layer. While fluxes are output (and often plausible) this is an indicator of a problem with the output values. none1
shffloatsensible heat flux (positive upward) W m-22
lhffloatlatent heat flux (positive upward) W m-23
tauvector floatstress vector. Directional convention matches that of the input winds. N m-24
u_starvector floatfriction velocity (u*). Directional convention matches that of the input winds. m s-15
t_starfloatscaling term for potential temperature (T*) C6
q_starfloatscaling parameter for moisture (q*) none7
z_over_Lfloatdimensionless Monin-Obhukov scale length none8
wave_agevector floatwave age, cp/u* none9
dom_phs_spdfloatdominant phase speed of gravity waves m s-110
h_sigfloatsignificant wave height m11
zo_outvector floatmomentum roughness length m12
u_at_zvector floatwind speed at the specified height. If wind and current are entered as speeds, then the first component of u_at_z is a speed (and the second component is zero). If wind and current are entered as vector compoents, then u_at_z output vector components in the same coordinate system. m s-113
t_at_zfloatpotential temperature at the specified height oC14
q_at_zfloatspecific humidity at the specified height kg kg-115

Options for dynamic input:

Typically wind speed is used as an input to boundary-layer models. However, scatterometers are now producing 'observations' of friction velocity and equivelent neutral wind speed.

dyn_inDescription Units
0Wind speed, relative to the surface current m/s
1Friction velocity (magnitude) m/s
2Surface wind stress (magnitude) N/m^2
3Equivalent neutral wind speed (relative to the surface current) m/s

Options for atmospheric stability condition:

The atmospheric stability in the boundary-layer can be assumed to neutral, or it can be calculated input parameters.

astabDescription Units
0Atmospheric stability is assumed to be neutral none
1Stability is calculated and used. none
2The value of z/L passed into the routine is used. This option is unavailable in versions prior to the 2021 version. none

Options for outputting (or not outputting) equivalent neutral winds:

This parameter can modifies how the height adjusted wind speed (u_at_z) is calculated. Note that the various forms of nuetral equivalent values have some dependency on the stability parameterization.

eqv_neutDescription Units
0Height adjustment is not modified, winds are still normal winds. none
1Equivalent neutral winds are calculated and output in the u_at_z variable. This version of equivalent neutral winds (Ross et al., 1985; Liu and Tang, 1996; Kara et al., 2008) treats the friction velocity and roughness length as identical to the observed winds and stability, and uses those values to calculate a height adjusted wind for neutral conditions. Optimized for preserving stress: the correct stress can be calculated from this equivalent neutral wind speed by using air density and a neutral drag coefficient. none
2Equivalent neutral winds are calculated and output in t he u_at_z variable. This version of equivalent neutral winds (Geernaert and Katsaros, 1986) preserves the roughness length for momentum, but does not preserve the friction velocity. Optimized for a neutral CD. none

Geernaert, G. L., and K. B. Katsaros (1986), Incorporation of stratification effects on the oceanic roughness length in the derivation of the neutral drag coefficient, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 16, 1580-1584.

Kara, A. B., Wallcraft, A. J., & Bourassa, M. A. (2008). Air-Sea Stability Effects on the 10m Winds Over the Global Ocean: Evaluations of Air-Sea Flux Algorithms. J. Geophys. Res., 113, C04009. doi:10.1029/2007JC004324

Liu, W. T., and W. Tang (1996), Equivalent neutral wind, JPL Publ., 96-17, 8 pp.

Ross, D. B., V. J. Cardone, J. Overland, R. D. McPherson, W. J. Pierson Jr., and T. Yu (1985), Oceanic surface winds, Adv. Geophys., 27, 101-138.

Options for seastate parameterizations:

There are six possible seastate assumptions: any one of the following can be treated as known: wind-wave stability parameter (set to 1.0 for local equilibrium), phase speed, wave age, significant wave height, significant slope, and the period of the dominant waves. Caution: in many cases, these wave characteristics will correspond to swell rather than the phase speed of locally wind induced waves.

ss_prmParameter treated as known (ss_val) Units
0Wind-wave stability parameter from Bourassa et al. (1999) BVW. Set to 1.0 for wind/wave equilibrium. none
1Phase speed of the dominant waves. Note: in many cases, this phase speed will correspond to the swell rather than the phase speed of locally wind induced waves. Use of the wrong phase speed can lead to large overestimations of fluxes. If no other wave data are input this phase speed will be used in Toba's relation, which is better suited for wind waves than swell. m/s
2Wave age the dominant waves. This is used to modify Charnock's parameter. (cp/u*) none
3Significant wave height. if no other wave data are input this phase speed will be used in Toba's relation, which is better suited for wind waves than swell. (Hs) m
4Significant slope. If no other wave data are input this phase speed will be used in Toba's relation, which is better suited for wind waves than swell. (Hs/l) none
5Period of the dominant waves. If no other wave data are input this phase speed will be used in Toba's relation, which is better suited for wind waves than swell. (Tp) s

Options for atmospheric moisture input:

Choose the moisture parameter that is easiest for you to deal with:

air_moist_prmParameter for moisture of air (air_moist_val) Units
0Specific humidity at the reference height of the thermometer and humidity sensor g vapor / g air
1Relative humidity fraction
2Dew point temperature C
3Wet bulb temperature C

Options for surface moisture input:

Choose the moisture parameter that is easiest for you to deal with:

sfc_moist_prmParameter for moisture of air (sfc_moist_val) Units
0Specific humidity 'at' (near) the surface g vapor / g air
1Relative humidity fraction
2Dew point temperature C
3Wet bulb temperature C

Options for selecting parameterizations to match published flux models:

flux_modelParameter for moisture of air (sfc_moist_val)
<0The flux_model variable is not used. Instead, the parameterizations are selected using three variables: z0_mom_prm, z0_theta_q_prm, and stable_prm.
0Bourassa, Vincent and Wood (1999, JAS)
1Smith (1988, JGR) version based on a momentum roughness length being a sum of roughesses for a smooth surface and gravity waves (Charnock's constant = 0.011).
2BVW (1999) without stability considered in the estimation of wind speed a wave height.
3BVW (1999) with Smith (1988) stability parameterization.
4BVW (1999) without roughness from capillary waves.
5BVW (1999) without surface tension in phase speed parameterizaiton.
6BVW (1999) without roughness from capillary waves, and without surface tension in phase speed parameterizaiton.
7Taylor and Yelland (2001, JTECH) parameterization (warning - use only with wind waves).
8Taylor and Yelland (2001, JTECH) parameterization with additional momentum roughness length due to capillary wavesi (warning - use only with wind waves).
9Bourassa (2006) roughness length parameterization and CFC (Clayson, Fairall, and Curry) roughness length parameterization for potential temperature and moisture.
10Bourassa (2006) roughness length parameterization and CFC (Clayson, Fairall, and Curry) roughness length parameterization for potential temperature and moisture, and a displacement height of 80% of the significant wave height. This assumption about displacement height works for wind driven waves; however, a displacement height of zero is a better assumption for swell.
11Bourassa (2006) roughness length parameterization and Zilitinkevich et al. roughness length parameterization for potential temperature and moisture.
12Bourassa (2006) roughness length parameterization and LKB (Liu, Katsaros, and Businger; 1979; JAS) roughness length parameterization for potential temperature and moisture.
13Bourassa (2006) roughness length parameterization and COARE3.0 (ref) roughness length parameterization for potential temperature and moisture.
14Bourassa (2006) roughness length parameterization and wall theory roughness length parameterization for potential temperature and moisture.
15Bourassa (2006) roughness length parameterization and CFC (Clayson, Fairall, and Curry) roughness length parameterization for potential temperature and moisture. The surface is also considered to be covered with oil modeled after the DWH spill.

Roughness Length Options for Momentum:

This option is applied only if flux_model < 0.

z0_mom_prmParameterizaton for Momentum Roughness Length (z0_mom_prm)
0Bourassa, Vincent and Wood (1999, JAS) momentum roughness length parameterization.
1 Bourassa (2006) momentum roughness length parameterization.
2Taylor and Yelland (1999, JTECH) momentum roughness length parameterization with additional roughness from BVW capillary waves. Currently does not work - DO NOT USE
3Taylor and Yelland (1999, JTECH) momentum roughness length parameterization. Currently does not work - DO NOT USE
4 Bourassa (2006) momentum roughness length parameterization modified for an oil slick modeled after the DWH slick.
5 Aerodynamically smooth surface.
6 2020 version of the oil slick code. Use with oil_area_fract = 0.0 to have a more realistic open ocean mean roughness length while near the capillary cutoff. Uses a fixed value of Charnock's constant of 0.018. Not available prior to the 2021 update.
7 Uses a constant input value of momentum Roughness length. Not available prior to the 2021 update.

Roughness Length Options for Potential Temperature and Moisture:

This option is applied only if flux_model < 0. Note that the potential temperature and moisture roughness lengths are calculated separately; however, the type of parameterization comes from the same source.

z0_theta_q_prmParameterizaton Type for Potential Temperature and Moisture Roughness Length (z0_theta_q_prm)
0Wall theory
1CFC (Clayson, Fairall and Curry; 1996, JGR) parameterization.
2 Zilitinkevich et al. (2001) roughness length parameterization.
3LKB (Liu, Katsaros, and Businger; 1979, JAS) parameterization.
4COARE3.0 parameterization
5Modified (Griffin, M.S. Thesis) CFC (Clayson, Fairall and Curry; 1996, JGR) parameterization.

Boundary-Layer Stability Options:

This option is applied only if flux_model < 0.

stable_prmParameterizaton Type for Boundary-Layer Stability (stable_prm)
0 Bourassa, Vincent and Wood (1999) selection of parameterizations: Businger-Dyer parameterizations as applied for unstable by Benoit (1977; with updated fitting parameters), stable parameterizations from Beljaars and Holstag (1991)
1 Smith (1988; JGR) selection of parameterizations: Dyer (1974) with original fitting parameters.
2 COAWST parameterizations (not available prior to 2021 version): Dyer (1974) for unstable conditions and Hicks parameterization for stable conditions.
3 Paulson (1970) parameterizations (not available prior to 2021 version). The difference from the Dyer parameterizations is that z0/L is not assumed to be zero.

Last update: Sept. 1, 2023


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