Richardson's number and its relation to the curvature of the wind profile based on Pantanal micrometeorological data

The gradient Richardson number (R_i) is an important non dimensional parameter which is a ratio between kinematic and thermal forces producing turbulence. So, it is related with the wind shear (f_m), the temperature gradient (f_h) and Monin Obhukov length scale (L). The Monin-Obhukov scaling parameter (z = z/L) which is also an index of stability is related with Richardson number differently under different stability conditions. The aim and objective of the present investigation is to determine the curvature term (b = -z(¶²u/¶ z²) / (¶u/¶z)) and its relation with R_i for different stability conditions and compare with similar results obtained earlier (Viswanadham, 1979). The calculations were based on the IPE-1 experiment, realized in Brazilian Pantanal wetland.