  We perform direct numerical simulations of an unstably stratified turbulent
channel flow to address the effects of buoyancy on the boundary layer dynamics
and mean field quantities. We systematically span a range of parameters in the
space of friction Reynolds number ($Re_{\tau}$) and Rayleigh number ($Ra$). Our
focus is on deviations from the logarithmic law of the wall due to buoyant
motion. The effects of convection in the relevant ranges are discussed
providing measurements of mean profiles of velocity, temperature and Reynolds
stresses as well as of the friction coefficient. A phenomenological model is
proposed and shown to capture the observed deviations of the velocity profile
in the log-law region from the non-convective case.
