Planetary boundary layer

From Freepedia

The planetary boundary layer (PBL) is the section of the Earth's atmosphere that is closest to the ground, and within which wind is influenced by friction with the Earth's crust. The troposhere, the lowest atmospheric layer, comprises the planetary boundary layer and the free atmosphere above it.

The PBL stretches from Earth's surface to anywhere between 100 and 3000 meters in altitude. Many important processes occur in the PBL, including frictional drag, solar heating, and evapotranspiration. The PBL is also home to the many air pollutants that compose smog. Clouds in the boundary layer influence trade winds, the hydrological cycle, and energy exchange.

Through computer simulation, humans seek to understand the complex interactions within the planetary boundary layer for more accurate weather forecasting and a better understanding of the pathways of particulates and ozone.