Advances in meteorological instrumentation for air quality and emergency response

Summary Air quality forecasting and emergency response are receiving increasing emphasis in the US and elsewhere; both share similar but not identical needs for advanced meteorological observations. At the same time, there has been a steady increase in the performance characteristics of ground-based remote sensing systems as well as ground-based and airborne in situ measurement systems. The structure of the planetary boundary layer is summarized in the context of implications for transport and diffusion, along with the measurement requirements for dispersion modeling. We then review the current state-of-the-art of operational and quasi-operational measurement systems with a focus on boundary layer measurements. Measurement systems discussed include: meteorological radar, radar wind profilers, radio acoustic sounding systems, lidar, sodar, GPS receivers, microwave radiometers, radiosonde systems, commercial aircraft measurements, and traditional near-surface in situ sensors.     

Sodar observations of the stable lower atmospheric boundary layer at Barrow,Alaska

Events in the stably stratified lower atmospheric boundary layer within the first several hundreds of meters at Barrow, Alaska were recorded from 27 March to 5 April 1990 using an acoustic sounder (sodar), a tethered balloon, radiosondes, and an instrumented meteorological tower. These events include ground-based and low-level inversion layers, gravity waves, breaking waves, and multiple-layer structures. Even though these events are commonly found in a stable boundary layer, it is perhaps surprising to find them in such a slowly changing environment and over a terrain that is essentially devoid of immediate orographic influence.Visiting Scientist at Wave Propagation Laboratory, NOAA/ERL 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO, 80303, U.S.A.     

Wavy Vertical Motions in the ABL Observed by Sodar

Some characteristics of wavelike motions in the atmospheric boundary layer observed by sodar are considered. In an experiment carried out in February 1993 in Milan, Italy, Doppler sodar measurements were accompanied by in situ measurements of temperature and wind velocity vertical profiles using a tethered balloon up to 600 m. The oscillations of elevated wavy layers containing intense thermal turbulence, usually associated with temperature-inversion zones, were studied by using correlation and spectral analysis methods. The statistics of the occurrence of wavelike and temperature-inversion events are presented. The height distributions of Brunt–Vaisala frequency and wind shear and their correlation within elevated inversion layers were determined, with a strong correlation observed between the drift rate of the wavy layers and the vertical velocity measured by Doppler sodar inside these layers. Spectral analysis showed similarities regarding their frequency characteristics. The phase speed and propagation direction of waves were estimated from the time delay of the signals at three antennae to provide estimates of wavelength. Moreover, wavelengths were estimated from the intrinsic frequency obtained from sodar measurements of the Doppler vertical velocity and oscillations of wavy turbulent layers. The two wavelength estimates are in good agreement.     

对流边界层中过山气流的数值模拟

采用ARPS4.0非静力中尺度气象模式模拟了对流边界层中气流过山引起的地形波,讨论了地形及大气条件改变对其的影响.模拟表明,当大气边界层是对流边界层时,气流过山引起的地形强迫,仍能在上部稳定层结中造成足够的垂直扰动,产生向上传播的重力内波,重力内波引起的波动阻力仍不可忽略.     

Observations of Atmospheric Solitary Waves in the Urban Boundary Layer

The simultaneous operation of a three-axis Doppler sodar system in the centralurban area of Rome and two similar systems in the suburban area, forming atriangle about 20 km on each side, provided evidence of solitary-type wavesin the urban boundary layer. Three events, each lasting from a few minutes toabout 30 min, and ranging in depth from the minimum range of the sodar (39 m) to over 500 m, are reported here. Two events were recognizable onall three sodar records while the third event could be observed at the urbanlocation only. Time-height acoustic echo intensity records showed no-echoregions within the wave indicating transport of trapped recirculating air.This is typical of large amplitude solitary waves. The time series plots ofsodar-derived vertical wind velocity revealed a maximum peak-to-peakvariation of about 5 m s^-1 during periods of wave-associated disturbance.The vertical velocity is found to increase with height up to the top of the closedcirculation within the wave and decreases further above. The normalisedamplitude-wavelength relationship for the two events indicates that theobserved waves are close to a strongly nonlinear regime.     

Determination of structure parameters using sodar

The temperature structure parameter at Delhi has been determined from intensity information of sodar observations for a period of one year at a height of 200 m in the planetary boundary layer applying the moisture correction due to Wesely. It is found that mean monthly values of the temperature structure parameter for stable and unstable conditions are quite different during the monsoon months (July to October) but are rather similar during the other months.The refractive index structure parameter values have been calculated for the dry atmosphere (optical) as well as by applying the moisture correction (radio) due to the Sirkis and Ottersten et al. models. It is found that the dry atmospheric values of the parameter are generally lower than the humidity-corrected values. The sodar-measured values of the parameter under dry atmospheric conditions have been examined in relation to the Hufnagel and Tsvang models.     

Mixing-height estimation in the convective boundary layer using sodar data

Sodar has been used for about 20 years to determine mixing height. However, estimation of the height of a convective boundary layer (CBL) that exceeds the sodar-probing range is still an unsolved question. As one possible way, it is suggested that one adapt a simple mixed-layer model to sodar observations during the morning growth period of the CBL, when its top can be clearly detected. Results are compared with other methods for CBL-height estimation from sodar data that have been proposed in the literature. Finally, some prognostic aspects are discussed.     

Remote Sensing And Surface Observations Of The Response Of The Atmospheric Boundary Layer To A Solar Eclipse

On 11 August 1999, a near-total solar eclipse (80%) was observed in Campistrous, France. The influence of this particular event on the atmospheric boundary layer was observed with a UHF-RASS radar, a sodar and an instrumented mast. The changes in turbulence intensity, radar reflectivity, and temperature on the radiative budget are described in relation to collocated ground meteorological data. The impact of the eclipse induces a clear response of the atmosphere, with a time lag of 15 to 30 min, perceptible in several mean and turbulent meteorological variables up to the top of the atmospheric boundary layer.     

Stationary Rossby wave propagation in a shear flow along a reflective boundary

Summary This study investigates the impact of lateral boundary conditions on the propagation and dispersion of locally excited Rossby waves in a zonally periodic, barotropic, quasigeostrophic channel model on the β-plane. We use basic flows with either a linear meridional shear or a jet-like profile. On the southern boundary of the channel we impose either a rigid wall or a radiation condition, whereas the northern sidewall is permeable for Rossby waves. We compare the numerical solutions found for a reflecting southern boundary in a weakly dissipative flow to the solutions obtained from a WKB-analysis for the corresponding unforced nondissipative situation. Furthermore, we compare the generalized Eliassen-Palm flux vectors to the ray paths of Rossby wave packets, obtained from WKB ray tracing. In particular, we focus our investigation on the two-dimensional structure of trapped modal waves and wavetrains in a simple linear numerical model. Summarizing our results, we find that along the reflective wall, trapped modal wave structures as well as reflected wavetrains occur with characteristics (e.g., wavenumbers, turning latitudes) similar to the ones computed using asymptotic methods. In a linear sheared flow wave packets are trapped for all zonal wave numbers in contrast to a jet-like mean flow which has a selective effect on the waves; i.e., a turning latitudes phenomenon between the coast and the flow maximum occurs for short waves, while long waves can propagate freely across the zonal mean flow. This comes out clearly when studying the stream lines of the Eliassen-Palm flux vectors of the numerical model simulations. Furthermore, due to the reflected wave activity, the dispersion of Rossby waves is influenced by the southern boundary condition not only in the vicinity of the border but also in regions away from the boundary. These results appear to be important on the one hand for the existence of trapped Rossby waves in large-scale oceanic shear flows along a zonally oriented coast. And, on the other hand for large-scale boundary waves in conceptional atmospheric channel models which can lead to unwanted resonance effects. Received July 18, 2000/Revised June 9, 2001     

Characteristics of wind speed and wind direction in the atmospheric boundary layer on the southern coast of Bulgaria

The characteristics of wind speed and wind direction in the boundary atmospheric layer measured at the meteorological station in Akhtopol (Bulgaria) are presented. The measurements were carried out with the Scintec sodar and MK-15 automatic meteorological station. The sodar measurement data on wind parameters at different heights in different months are presented as well as the frequency of inshore and offshore wind directions, that enables to trace the intensity of the breeze circulation. The frequency of calms and wind speeds at the heights of 50, 100, and 200 m according to gradations for different months and the probability of wind of various speeds depending on the direction are also given. The breeze front characteristics in June–September of 2009 are computed from the speed and direction of surface wind measured with the acoustic anemometer of MK-15 complex.     

低层不稳定大气边界层中的地形阻力

采用两层大气模式,通过求解线性化大气动力学—热力学方程组,得到在上层稳定层结覆盖的不稳定大气边界层中,简单三维地形引起的地形波及其波动阻力的解析表达式。讨论了地形及大气条件对地形波及波动阻力的影响。结果表明:即使在大气低层为不稳定边界层时,三维地形引起的波动在大气动量平衡中仍可起明显作用。     

Studies of the Marine Boundary Layer at Tarapur

Simultaneous observations were made of the Marine Boundary Layer at Tarapur, a site near Bombay on the sea coast, by acoustic sounder and instrumented tower. The meteorological tower was used to sense wind and temperature at various levels up to a height of 120 m while the acoustic sounder was used to examine the thermal structure of the boundary layer up to a height of 700 m. Data recorded for the year 1982 have been analysed.Analysis of the data shows that while the normal structures of thermal echoes and shear echoes represent the mixing depth of the atmospheric boundary layer, the often observed elevated layers are due to sea breeze reversals with their base giving a measure of the depth of the sea-breeze circulation during the day. A sea breeze has been detected during both spring (March to May) and autumn (October to December) months. The onset times are around 1000 hr during spring months and around noon during the autumn period, the height of development being respectively up to 500 and 350 m. The capability of the sodar to detect the base and thickness of the sea breeze, is clearly revealed.     

Case Studies of the Wintertime Convective Boundary-Layer Structure in the Urban Area of Milan, Italy

The paper describes some aspects of the convective boundary-layer structure based on simultaneous sodar and tethersonde measurements during a field experiment in the urban area of Milan in the period 8 to 20 February, 1993. During this period, fog episodes and strong low-level elevated inversions (with lower boundaries < 400 m) were observed most of the time. A close agreement in the mixing height values, derived from the sodar and tethersonde profiles, has been achieved under these conditions. The validity of the similarity relationships, which have been originally derived to describe the vertical velocity variance and heat flux profiles over horizontally homogeneous terrain under quasi-stationary conditions, was evaluated when applied to the urban boundary layer.     

青藏高原东北边坡复杂地形重力波的数值模拟

基于2007年7月青海祁连站的野外加密探空资料,结合高分辨率的三维边界层模式,模拟研究了青藏高原东北边坡复杂地形条件下,边界层对流引起的干动力过程对该地区地形重力波产生及传播的影响机理。结果表明:在不同的背景场强迫下,高原东北边坡复杂地形上空对流和重力波的空间结构存在较大差异。当背景风向与山体垂直时,随着风速增加,山脊背风坡混合层顶附近大气不稳定能量加强,激发了下游区域较强的重力波信号,此时对流线组织性增强、重力波波列较长,高水汽含量的空气被波峰传输到较高的高度,为对流云发展提供了有利条件;当背景风向与山脊走向平行时,山顶上空对流发展旺盛,山脊背风坡混合层顶大气状态较稳定,激发的地形重力波信号较弱且波列较短,整个混合层顶附近水汽较少,对流云形成条件减弱;当背景大气浮力频率减小时,整个区域上空对流发展更加旺盛但组织性减弱,背风坡下游重力波向上传输的距离减小,信号不显著,混合层顶附近水汽分布均匀且变化幅度较小,有利于层状云发展。     

The Role of Acoustic Sounding in a High-Technology Era

Summary This paper presents a brief synopsis of past, current and anticipated progress and problems in the use of acoustic remote sensing for basic and applied research of the lower atmosphere. The potential and reality of the sodar for determination of meteorological parameters and turbulence characteristics is discussed. Sodars’ place alongside other ground-based remote sensors, including radar wind profilers, radioacoustic sounding systems (RASS) and lidars, is elucidated. Areas of atmospheric research where Doppler sodar has certain advantages are described such as cost, sensitivity, spatial and temporal resolution and surface layer measurements. The use of sodar in networks of integrated radar/RASS systems designed to supply uninterrupted monitoring of atmospheric parameters for improvements in forecasts of weather and air quality is demonstrated. The special potential role of sodar in education and training of specialists is suggested to aid in developing and using new methods of atmospheric measurements and meeting the requirements of modern environmental science. A number of problems are formulated whose solution would favor further advancement of acoustic remote sensing in integrated systems for remote monitoring of the atmospheric boundary layer. Received November 23, 1998 Revised January 29, 1999     

Long internal waves in shear flows: topographic resonance and wave-induced global instability

Issues pertaining to a mechanism whereby long internal waves in shallow seas may give rise to enhanced rates of resuspension of sedimentary material are addressed. The proposed mechanism is intimately related to the creation of conditions in the bottom boundary layer which are favorable for flow separation and spontaneous onset of global instability. It is shown that long waves generated by topographic resonance and propagating upstream against the oncoming current, especially a sheared current, have a strong tendency to release a coherent, pulsating dynamics in their footprint. The passage-through-resonance problem for a sheared, stratified flow is considered, conditions for topographic resonance in the flow model are defined, and preliminary results for the unsteady dynamics in the boundary layer under the footprint of a long wave packet are presented.     

Application of sodars in the study and monitoring of the environment

Summary Application of acoustic sounders (sodars) to study the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) began in the early 1970s. During the last two decades the scope of sodars applications enlarged considerably. The proceedings of eleven symposia of the International Society for Remote Acoustic Sensing of the Atmosphere and Oceans (ISARS) are a unique collection of papers, where all directions of the sodar use since 1981 are presented. In this paper, a review of sodar applications to atmospheric research is presented based on materials published in these proceedings in the following fields: conditions of microwave and light propagation; regional climatology of the ABL; air pollution meteorology and weather forecast; mesoscale phenomena under stable and unstable stratification; micrometeorology; peculiarities of the ABL in remote and complex terrain.     

Influence of internal gravity waves on sound propagation in the lower atmosphere

Summary The effects of internal waves on the propagation of acoustic pulses in the lower atmosphere were studied theoretically and by acoustic pulse sounding of the stable atmospheric boundary layer. Due to a control in the experiments of the stratification and time variations of meteorological parameters, such as wind speed, temperature and atmospheric pressure, we were able to observe the influence of the variations of these parameters on a pulse wave form, travel time and time duration. For the travel time and wind speed variations we obtained statistical characteristics (variances, frequency spectra and coherences) in the range of periods from 1 min to 1h and found several dominant periods, which are inherent to the trapped internal waves in the lower atmosphere. Using a nonlinear model of internal wave spectrum in the atmosphere described here we have made the calculations of variances, frequency spectra and structure functions of travel time fluctuations, which allowed us to interpret some of the observed data.     

DOPPLER SODAR AND ATMOSPHERIC BOUNDARY LAYER DETECTION

A Doppler sodar system controlled by microcomputer is described in this paper. The sodar was usedto detect the vertical distribution of wind and temperature stratification in the atmospheric boundary layer.The detecting results show that at night the vertical distribution of wind is very complicated, which can appearas a structure of two or three layers. In nocturnal atmospheric boundary layer sometimes there exists verythin layer in multi-layer inversion and it can be retained for a long time.     

Comparative analysis of sodar and ozone profile measurements in a complex structured boundary layer and implications for mixing height estimation

Profile data from simultaneous sodar and tethered balloon measurements have been analyzed with respect to the complex structure of the atmospheric boundary layer in the Upper Rhine Valley. Special attention was focused on ozone concentration profiles measured with a novel lightweight ozone sensor at the balloon. In general, good agreement was found between the signature of the ozone concentration profiles and special features of the backscattered sound intensity profiles. This allows reliable estimation of the mixing height from the sodar data even in a complex stable ABL, except for very shallow mixing layers (below about 75 m), which could not be detected by the sodar.