Extended Abstract (660K)4.3
Waves and turbulence observed over two consecutive VTMX nights
Carmen J. Nappo, NOAA/ERL/ARL, Oak Ridge, TN; and R. Doboay and E. J. Dumas
The spatial and temporal variability of wave-like disturbances and turbulence are examined over five nights of the VTMX field campaign. In situ observations made with the Long-EZ aircraft include wind temperature, pressure and turbulence. Turbulence measurements were also made at 2, 10, and 20 m above the ground surface with sonic anemometers. Additional turbulence data from other VTMX observation sights are also used. Surface pressure perturbations were observed with an horizontal array of six microbarographs. Statistics of particular interest include the correlations between wave-like disturbances and turbulence; the variations of turbulence intensity with height, and the magnitudes, durations and frequencies of occurrences of turbulence episodes. These statistics are related to boundary-layer stability and structure. It appears that the outflow of canyon air on the east side of the Salt Lake valley leads to episodes of enhanced turbulence above 300 m AGL. Disturbances in the surface pressure are observed on all nights; however, these disturbances generally lack the coherence and durations indicative of linear gravity waves.
Session 4, Boundary Layer Turbulence and Diffusion
Monday, 17 June 2002, 4:15 PM-5:30 PM
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