Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Measurements of Boundary Layer Profiles in an Urban Environment

Rod Frehlich University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

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Yannick Meillier University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

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Michael L. Jensen University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

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Ben Balsley University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

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Robert Sharman Research Applications Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research,* Boulder, Colorado

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Print Publication:
01 Jun 2006
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JAM2368.1
Page(s):
821–837
Restricted access

Abstract

Boundary layer profiles of mean temperature, velocity, and small-scale turbulence from in situ sensors, Doppler lidar, sodar, and rawinsondes are intercompared for an urban environment. A new Doppler lidar algorithm is presented to produce high-resolution profiles of small-scale velocity statistics. The lidar-derived profiles are robust and accurate even for challenging conditions such as stable boundary layers with a low-level jet, low turbulence, and low wind speed. Similar results are expected for other locations and convective conditions.

* The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation

Corresponding author address: Rod Frehlich, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), Campus Box 216, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309. Email: rgf@cires.colorado.edu

Abstract

Boundary layer profiles of mean temperature, velocity, and small-scale turbulence from in situ sensors, Doppler lidar, sodar, and rawinsondes are intercompared for an urban environment. A new Doppler lidar algorithm is presented to produce high-resolution profiles of small-scale velocity statistics. The lidar-derived profiles are robust and accurate even for challenging conditions such as stable boundary layers with a low-level jet, low turbulence, and low wind speed. Similar results are expected for other locations and convective conditions.

* The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation

Corresponding author address: Rod Frehlich, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), Campus Box 216, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309. Email: rgf@cires.colorado.edu

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Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology

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