Measurements of Turbulence Parameters and Dissipation in Complex Terrain

Analysis of radial wind velocity data from the TREX Doppler lidar is used to calculate turbulent spectral statistics over a non-uniform terrain. Using lidar data collected from the Terrain-induced Rotor EXperiment (TREX), carried out in March and April 2006, turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rates, radial velocity variances and integral scales are calculated for the boundary layer over a mountain range in California. The dissipation rates are estimated through a classical structure function technique. Estimates of kinetic energy dissipation rate are compared with that evaluated using sonic anemometers placed on a meteorological tower. Estimates show a clear diurnal variation of the dissipation, with a maximum occurring on the early afternoon.