A perfectly matched layer for damping vertically propagating waves in the compressible Boussinesq equations

Abstract

This paper introduces a new application of the perfectly matched layer (PML) for mitigating model top wave reflections in geophysical fluid models. Typically, a strong Laplacian or Rayleigh damping sponge layer is used near the upper boundary, but these often need many vertical levels or a high model top to be sufficiently effective. An advantage of the PML is that, at the continuous level, it is free of wave reflection at the onset of the damping layer. This enables the PML to be effective even with a thin damping layer. We derive PMLs for the linear and nonlinear versions of the Boussinesq equations, which are a simplified model for vertical dynamics in the atmosphere. In the nonlinear system, we define a novel PML that damps perturbations from a hydrostatically balanced reference state. We approximate the PML equations using the compatible finite element method for numerical experiments. First, tests with the linear Boussinesq system show that the PML is more effective than a typical sponge layer in absorbing acoustic waves near the model top. Next, tests in the nonlinear system show that i) the PML can damp acoustic waves even when they are under-resolved by the time discretisation, and ii) the PML can avoid the standing wave pattern caused by model top reflection of orographic gravity waves. We propose that the PML is worth further development and investigation as a sponge layer alternative in dynamical cores for atmospheric modelling.