Intercomparison between Mobile and Stationary Surface Observing Platforms in VORTEX2

In situ thermodynamic and kinematic observations collected in VORTEX2 can be separated into two categories: vehicle-borne sensors, such as the mobile mesonet, which collect data while in motion, and stand-alone, stationary platforms such as StickNet. While both sampling methods have unique advantages, it is important that the two observation types are compatible with each other when producing a common analysis at a given time.

This study will present intercomparisons between data collected by mobile and stationary observing platforms on 5 June 2009 in Goshen County, Wyoming as well as cases from the 2010 campaign of VORTEX2. It will be shown that spatial biases introduced by instrument time constants can be exacerbated by vehicle translation across thermodynamic gradients. Corrective measures allowing both platforms to be utilized in common surface analyses such as time-to-space conversion and objective analysis will be explored.