Spatial patterns of turbulent fluxes through atmospheric boundary layer were measured during the Southern Great Plains Experiment of 1997 in coordinated flights. Two airplanes, which made the bulk of the measurements, were the ATDD Long-EZ and the NRC (Canada) Twin Otter. The flights were designed to sample the convective boundary layer at multiple altitudes or along paths over surfaces of contrasting soil moisture. Compatibility of the measured fluxes among airplanes is important to the effectiveness of these missions.
The compatibility between these airplanes was tested by numerous intercomparison passes, where the two airplanes flew in formation. The comparison flights were at several altitudes: near the ground, at mid-levels in the convective boundary layer, and near the boundary-layer top.
Results show some of the closest match of fluxes yet between the Long-EZ and the Twin Otter. The match was particularly encouraging between the fluxes and variances involving the components of the turbulent wind itself, since such measurements are very difficult to make from an airplane.
Tables and plots are presented to show how the two systems compared. These should inspire confidence in the coordinated use of data from both airplanes, though there are some areas of disagreement. Knowledge of these intercomparison results is important to interpretation of these airborne flux data