Local similarity, referred to as type II similarity, in the interfacial, st
ably-stratified layer at the top of the atmospheric (or oceanic) mixed laye
r is discussed. Type II scales for scalars are based on the local values of
scalar gradients. Similarity predictions are derived from the second-order
closure model of Yamada and Mellor, and also from similarity arguments. Th
e obtained formulation is verified for active and passive scalars based on
the large-eddy simulation model.