A nonlinear dynamical model for atmospheric boundary layer turbulence.

Using the qualitative theory of nonlinear dynamical systems and the ergodic theory of chaos and strange attractors, we study a truncated-spectrum model of dynamical equations of the atmosphere. In the parameter plane (Re, Ri), the atmospheric motion states can be divided into four regions: O (basic), P (periodic), T (turbulent or chaotic), and T-P (transition of T and P). We analyze the routes to turbulence during the day and at night.