In addition, when the mean heat flux is relatively small, the horizontal scale of the wavelength impacts the atmosphere much more significantly than when the mean heat flux is high. The ratio between the contribution to turbulent kinetic energy by buoyancy and by the horizontal pressure gradient seems to be a useful dimensionless quantity for the development of an appropriate parameterization of these effects. The more significant the buoyancy, the more difficult it is for horizontal structure to develop in the boundary layer. In sum, results indicate that mesoscale discontinuities considerably affect the vertical profile of mean atmospheric variables, heat fluxes, clouds, and precipitation. These effects should be parameterized in GCMs.
Mesoscale perturbations create atmospheric dynamical processes that can be extremely important.
Eddies are organizing in circulation which has a strong component close to the ground surface and near the top of the boundary layer. Avissar discussed an upcoming field experiment in Rondonia which he believes will be very important in helping to improve parameterizations of mesoscale effects in GCMs. A satellite image of the study area reveals the fishbone pattern of deforestation and development along roads which is a characteristic pattern of the expansion of human activity in tropical forests. In addition, the natural topography varies from sea level up to 1100 meters. In preparation for this field experiment, numerical simulations have been conducted to assess the effects of microscale and mesoscale heterogeneity on clouds and precipitation.