Analysis of airborne data and identification of thermal structures with geostatistical techniques

A geostatistical technique (kriging) is applied to the analysis of data sets obtained through measurements with a light airplane in the atmospheric boundary layer of an alpine valley.

Vertical profiles of potential temperature are evaluated in terms of a test function which conveniently fits data and allows an appropriate matching through convective layer, entrainment layer and free atmosphere.

Deviations from the averaged vertical profile due to horizontal temperature gradients within the valley atmosphere are evaluated. The underlying statistical structure is estimated in terms of suitable variogram functions of the monitored variables. The procedure allows to estimate potential temperature anomalies throughout the valley volume.

A typical example of potential temperature anomalies is presented in Fig.1. Data were collected on Sept.24,1998 at 11:30 AM. Notice the different temperature of the atmosphere in the section of the valley, due to different ground heating between the left and right valley slopes.