Planetary boundary layer scheme in the INMCM Earth system model

Abstract The paper reviews the planetary boundary layer parameterizations in the current generation of the INMCM Earth system model. We discuss some of the challenges and improvements necessary to correctly reproduce the essential non-linear interactions of physical processes common to the boundary-layer physics. Overview of some of the improvements implemented in the PBL single-column version of the INMCM model is presented. These include the hierarchy of turbulence closures of different computational complexity suited for modelling a thin stable boundary layer. The closures are based on a consistent definition of the first-order, single- and two-equation approaches and inclusion of stability functions in the surface layer parameterizations tailored for strong static stability of the atmosphere.