Comparison of Two Practical Atmospheric Stability Classification Schemes in an Urban Application

F. L. Ludwig Stanford Research Institute, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025

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Walter F. Dabberdt Stanford Research Institute, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025

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Abstract

Two atmospheric stability classification schemes have been applied using National Weather Service data from Lambert Field in St. Louis. The results are compared with wind direction fluctuation and insolation measurements made in downtown St. Louis. One of the schemes considered was proposed by Turner in 1964. The other scheme is similar but uses opaque cloud, rather than cloud types and heights, for categorizing daytime solar radiation. The second scheme gives results that are in better agreement with stability classification based on fluctuations in the horizontal wind direction.

Abstract

Two atmospheric stability classification schemes have been applied using National Weather Service data from Lambert Field in St. Louis. The results are compared with wind direction fluctuation and insolation measurements made in downtown St. Louis. One of the schemes considered was proposed by Turner in 1964. The other scheme is similar but uses opaque cloud, rather than cloud types and heights, for categorizing daytime solar radiation. The second scheme gives results that are in better agreement with stability classification based on fluctuations in the horizontal wind direction.

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