Least squares variational approach to the convective mixing height estimation problem

A least squares variational approach is suggested to estimate the atmospheric mixed layer depth (or mixing height) under convective conditions from the vertical profile of virtual potential temperature. This method was implemented as a software application that could be a very useful tool to estimate the mixing height parameter required in air pollution modeling studies. The software was used to estimate Mexico City mixing heights from the atmospheric sounding data between January to May of 1993 and 1994, and the monthly statistics evolution of the 11:00z and 23:00z mixing height values is presented for this period. The estimations produced by this method for the afternoon mixing height were found in a good agreement with the daily maximum value calculated with the dry adiabatic temperature method.