XXI-st century: a shift of paradigm in the planetary boundary layer theory

Abstract

At the beginning of 21st century, Sergej Sergeevich Zilitinkevich initiated a shift of the fundamental paradigm in the planetary boundary layer theory, and wider, in statistical hydromechanics of stratified flows. He held the position of the chair in meteorology at Uppsala University, Sweden in 1998–2003, where he and his colleagues consistently introduced a concept of turbulent potential and total energy and not least reviewed fundamental understanding of turbulent mixing in stratified flows. Zilitinkevich continued as a professor-emeritus at University of Helsinki, Finland, in 2004–2021, where he attracted prestigious mega-grants both in Russia and European Union. As such, he created and led a virtual international research institute — the third institute in course of his carrier in science — for development of theoretical foundations and practical implications of the new paradigm for turbulent energies. A network of researchers and practitioners established by Zilitinkevich continue their joint research in the Pan-Eurasian Experiment frameworks.