Simulating Scanning Lidar Data Using Spatiotemporally Resolved LES Data

Evaluation of simulated winds from LES at multiple points is always challenging due to the lack of spatio-temporally observed wind data. In moderately convective conditions, the simulated horizontal velocity often shows streak-like structures near the surface layer and roll vortices over the depth of the boundary layer. Statistics (first and second order) and spectral energy analysis derived from the sparse data are not sufficient to assess such spatial structures seen in the LES results. To overcome this problem, herein we develop an approach simulating lidar scanning data (RHI and PPI) using highly resolved LES flow field and compare them with the scanning lidar data collected during WFIP2 campaign. In addition to scanning data, vertical profiles of wind at multiple locations obtained from sodar and tower are used to evaluate the LES results. This study will help to understand the current state-of-the-art of LES under various stability conditions of the atmosphere.