Thermography analysis of air flow dynamics in the Barringer Meteor Crater, Arizona, as part of the second Meteor Crater Experiment (METCRAX II) in October 2013

As part of the Meteor Crater Experiment (METCRAX II) at the Barringer Meteor Crater in Arizona we installed five infrared time lapse cameras (VarioCAM® hr research & VarioCAM® High Definition, InfraTec) at the crater rim to observe surface temperature dynamics. Measuring the crater's surface infrared (IR) temperatures from different views into the crater with 0.5 Hz sequenced IR data help identify and understand air flow dynamics. Using this approach, the downslope-windstorm-type flows (DWF) that were the main research object of METCRAX II could be observed in addition to the comprehensive meteorological measurement setup. IR data help identify fluctuations in inversion strength and depth and visualize the interaction between air flow and crater walls and ground. Hence it is possible to detect coherent structures, warm air intrusions and flow regimes. We present first results from one multi-hour Intensive Observational Period, including time lapse movies of several characteristic flow phenomena in the crater. In order to evaluate the IR method, cross correlations of IR data with near-ground air temperature and radiation data are presented and discussed with respect to the practicability of the IR application in the crater.