Skip Top Navigation
only rendered in printing; ARL website banner
Air Resources Laboratory banner imageNOAA logo

What is the definition of the boundary (or mixed) layer?


The atmospheric boundary layer (or mixed layer) is the part of the atmosphere that easily exchanges heat and momentum with the surface. It is well mixed due to the wind turbulence introduced by frictional effects of the surface and the surface heating induced thermals. Pollutants become well dispersed in this layer. It is usually capped by a temperature inversion (temperature increases with height at the top of the boundary layer limiting mixing).

In addition, these websites may help you....

http://lidar.ssec.wisc.edu/papers/akp_thes/node6.htm
http://www.shodor.org/os411/index.html

Glenn Rolph

Modified: September 23, 2008
Dept. of Commerce | NOAA | NOAA Research | ARL