Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Air and Surface Temperature Coupling in the Convective Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Anirban Garai Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California

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Jan Kleissl Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California

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Print Publication:
01 Dec 2011
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JAS-D-11-057.1
Page(s):
2945–2954
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Abstract

In a convective boundary layer, coherent structures were detected through their thermal signature on an artificial turf surface using high-frequency thermal infrared (TIR) imagery and surface layer turbulence measurements. The coherent structures cause surface temperature variations over tens of seconds and spatial scales of tens to a few hundred meters. Evidence of processes similar to those in a renewal event was observed. Spatial and temporal correlation analysis revealed the geometric and velocity information of the structures at the ground footprint of air temperature measurements. The velocity of the coherent structures was consistent with the wind speed at 6.5 m AGL. Practical implications of turbulence-driven surface temperature variability for thermal remote sensing are also discussed.

Corresponding author address: Jan Kleissl, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, EBUII–580, La Jolla, CA 92093-0411. E-mail: jkleissl@ucsd.edu

Abstract

In a convective boundary layer, coherent structures were detected through their thermal signature on an artificial turf surface using high-frequency thermal infrared (TIR) imagery and surface layer turbulence measurements. The coherent structures cause surface temperature variations over tens of seconds and spatial scales of tens to a few hundred meters. Evidence of processes similar to those in a renewal event was observed. Spatial and temporal correlation analysis revealed the geometric and velocity information of the structures at the ground footprint of air temperature measurements. The velocity of the coherent structures was consistent with the wind speed at 6.5 m AGL. Practical implications of turbulence-driven surface temperature variability for thermal remote sensing are also discussed.

Corresponding author address: Jan Kleissl, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, EBUII–580, La Jolla, CA 92093-0411. E-mail: jkleissl@ucsd.edu
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