Single-column model intercomparison for a stably stratified atmospheric boundary layer

Abstract.
The parameterization of the stably stratified atmospheric boundary layer is a
difficult issue, having a large impact on medium-range weather forecasts and climate
integrations. To pursue this issue further, a moderately stratified arctic case is simulated by nineteen single-column turbulence schemes. Statistics from a Large-eddy
simulation intercomparison made for the same case by eleven different models are used as a guiding reference. The single-column parameterizations include research
and operational schemes from major forecast and climate research centres. Results
from first order schemes, a large number of turbulence kinetic energy closures, and
other models were submitted. There is a large spread in the results; in general,
the operational schemes mix over a deeper layer than the research ones, and the
turbulence kinetic energy and other higher order closures give results closer to the
statistics obtained from the Large-eddy simulations. The sensitivities of the schemes
to the parameters of their turbulence closures are partially explored.