Down-to-earth temperatures: The mechanics of the thermal environment

Narasimha, Roddam (1997) Down-to-earth temperatures: The mechanics of the thermal environment. In: XIXth International Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (ICTAM Kyoto 1996), AUG 25-31, 1996, Kyoto, Japan.

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Abstract

This lecture describes some recent attempts at unravelling the mechanics of the temperature distribution near ground, especially during calm, clear nights. In particular, a resolution is offered of the so-called Ramdas paradox, connected with observations of a temperature minimum some decimetres above bare soil on calm clear nights, in apparent defiance of the Rayleigh criterion for instability due to thermal convection. The dynamics of the associated temperature distribution is governed by radiative and convective transport and by thermal conduction, and is characterised by two time constants, involving respectively quick radiative adjustments and slow diffusive relaxation. The theory underlying the work described here suggests that surface parameters like ground emissivity and soil thermal conductivity can exert appreciable influence on the development of nocturnal inversions.

Item Type:	Conference Paper
Publisher:	Elsevier Science Publishers B. V
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier Science Publishers B. V.
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Centre for Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences
Date Deposited:	15 Mar 2012 09:05
Last Modified:	15 Mar 2012 09:05
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/43995

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