Variation of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Height at the Eastern Edge of the Tibetan Plateau

TL;DR

This study analyzes the daily, monthly, and seasonal variations of atmospheric boundary layer height on the eastern Tibetan Plateau using high-resolution temperature profiles and reanalysis data, revealing significant fluctuation patterns and seasonal differences.

Contribution

It combines microwave radiometer observations with ERA5 reanalysis data to characterize boundary layer height variations specific to the Tibetan Plateau, providing new insights into regional atmospheric dynamics.

Findings

Maximum ABLH in spring, minimum in winter

Daily ABLH peaks around 14:00-15:00

ERA5 data slightly underestimates ABLH but shows consistent trends

Abstract

This paper utilized the high temporal and spatial resolution temperature profile data observed by the multi-channel microwave radiometer at the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) on the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau from February to May and August to November 2021, combined with the ERA5 reanalysis data products for the whole year of 2021, to study the daily, monthly, and seasonal variations of the atmospheric boundary layer height (ABLH). The results are as follows: (1) The ABLH on sunny days showed obvious fluctuations with peaks and valleys. The ABLH continued to rise with the increase of surface temperature after sunrise and usually reached its maximum value in the afternoon around 18:00, then rapidly decreased until sunset. (2) The average ABLH in April was the highest at about 1200 m, while it was only around 600 m in November. The ABLH fluctuated greatly during the day and was stable at around 400 m at night. The ABLH results obtained from ERA5 were slightly smaller overall but had a consistent trend of change with the microwave radiometer. (3) The maximum ABLH appeared in spring, followed by summer and autumn, and winter had the lowest value, with all peaks reached around 14:00-15:00. These results are of great significance for understanding the ABLH on the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau, and provide reference for the absolute calibration of photon numbers of the LHAASO telescope and the atmospheric monitoring plan, as well as for evaluating the authenticity and accuracy of existing reanalysis datasets.