Spatial Heterogeneity of Near-Surface Meteorology in Vicinity of CHEESEHEAD19 Flux Towers from Mobile Measurements

A major emphasis during the CHEESEHEAD19 (Chequamegon Heterogenous Ecosystem Energy-balance Study Enabled by a High-Density Extensive Array of Detectors) observing campaign in northern Wisconsin was on determination of the impacts of land surface heterogeneity on fluxes. Within the 10 km x 10 km domain of mixed temperate forests across Chequamegon National Forest, data during three Intensive Observing Periods (IOPs) were collected from 19 flux towers, airborne sensors, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and surface mobile observing systems. The surface mobile measurements of thermodynamic variables (thermal, water vapor, radiative) were collected along roads, trails, and waterways by sensors mounted on a vehicle, on a backpack, and on a kayak. The surface mobile data are of particular interest for (1) comparison to above-canopy airborne measurements; (2) comparison of spatial scales for thermal vs water vapor microscale heterogeneity between flux towers; (3) distinguishing between transient microscale patterns and thermodynamic patterns locked to land surface type (forest species, height/age, tree health, soil/terrain). The coordinated use of airborne platforms, stationary surface stations, and surface mobile observing systems in CHEESEHEAD19 represents a unique attempt to bridge spatial and temporal scales in a Microscale Environmental Observatory.