The surface heat flux density of a bare soil

Abstract

Half‐hourly measurements of soil surface heat flux density (G₀ ), solar irradiance (S), and the surface energy balance components were made at Agassiz, b.c., in the spring and early summer of 1978 at two adjacent bare‐soil sites, one of which was culti‐packed while the other was disc‐harrowed. G₀ was calculated using the null‐alignment procedure from half‐hourly measurements of soil temperature at 30 depths down to 1 m, and volumetric soil heat capacity calculated from measurements of bulk density, organic matter fraction, and moisture content. The latent and sensible heat flux densities were measured using the energy balance/Bowen ratio technique.

It was found that both the daily averages and diurnal variations of Go at each site were not affected as the soil surface dried, despite reductions in evaporation rate of as much as 50% at the culti‐packed site and 75% at the disc‐harrowed site on the clear dry‐soil days. Diurnal variations of G₀ at the disc‐harrowed site were about 25% less than at the culti‐packed site, although daily averages were similar at both sites. Daily and daytime averages of G₀ at each site were linear functions of S alone, or functions of net radiation and some measure of near‐surface soil water content. Night‐time averages of G₀ at each site were linear functions of a cloudiness ratio equal to the fraction received of the clear‐day S.     

Calibration of soil heat flux transducers

Summary Soil heat flux transducer calibration, according to theory, is influenced by the thermal conductivity difference between the transducer and the calibration medium and the geometry of the transducer. This study was conducted to compare the influence of these parameters on the calibration factors of two types of commercial soil heat flux transducers with different material thermal conductivities and different geometries. A theoretical calibration equation was developed and evaluated. Calibrations of 14 transducers representing two commercial types were conducted in the laboratory using steady-state conductive methods over a range of heat fluxes from 40 W/m² to 200 W/m². The calibration medium was dry and saturated sand with a thermal conductivity varying from 0.3 to 3 W m^–1°C^–1. The mean calibration factor for one type of transducer was 12% lower than the mean manufacturer's calibration factor instead of the 26 to 36% lower value predicted by theory. The other type of transducer had a mean calibration factor 7% greater than the mean manufacturer's calibration factor in contrast to the 1 to 11% larger value predicted from theory. The computed geometric factors were 1.07 and 0.89 for the circular and square transducers, respectively. These factors were less than the theoretical value of 1.70 for each shape of transducer but similar to experimental values of 1.02 to 1.31 from previous studies reported in the literature. The thermal conductivity of the calibration medium and the geometry of the transducer affects the calibration factors of soil heat flux transducers, basically according to theory.Contribution from USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Southern Plains Area.With 4 Figures     

Hourly estimation of soil heat flux density at the soil surface with three models and two field methods

Heat flux density at the soil surface (G ₀) was evaluated hourly on a vegetal cover 0.08 m high, with a leaf area index of 1.07 m² m^?2, during daylight hours, using Choudhury et al. (Agric For Meteorol 39:283–297, 1987) ( $ G_0^{\text{rn}} $ ), Santanello and Friedl (J Appl Meteorol 42:851–862, 2003) ( $ G_0^{\text{s}} $ ), and force-restore ( $ G_0^{\text{fr}} $ ) models and the plate calorimetry methodology ( $ G_0^{\text{pco}} $ ), where the gradient calorimetry methodology (G _0R ) served as a reference for determining G ₀. It was found that the peak of G _0R was at 1 p.m., with values that ranged between 60 and 100 W m^?2 and that the G ₀/Rn relation varied during the day with values close to zero in the early hours of the morning and close to 0.25 in the last hours of daylight. The $ G_0^{\text{s}} $ model presented the best performance, followed by the $ G_0^{\text{rn}} $ and $ G_0^{\text{fr}} $ models. The plate calorimetry methodology showed a similar behavior to that of the gradient calorimetry referential methodology.     

基于ＳＥＢＡＬ模型在城市地表通量反演的应用

利用ETM＋及少量地面观测数据,基于SEBAL模型,反演了武汉市2002年7月22日的显热通量和潜热通量。研究结果表明：显热通量和潜热通量的分布与下垫面类型分布相对应,其中城镇、工矿下垫面以显热交换为主,草地、林地、水体等下垫面以潜热交换为主;显热通量和潜热通量的分布能够清晰指示城市热岛分布状况,适当增加城区中绿地和水体,可增大潜热通量,减缓城市热岛效应。     

Net radiation — soil heat flux relations as influenced by soil water content variations

Net radiation, soil heat flux, incoming and reflected solar radiation, and soil water content were measured during several clear day periods following approximate 10-cm applications of water to loam soils at Phoenix, Arizona, and at Sidney, Montana. The regression of soil heat flux on net radiation changed significantly as the soil dried, with the difference between them being a linear function of the volumetric soil water content of the uppermost 2 to 4 cm of soil. The net radiation-soil heat flux difference for soil in an air-dry state was only about one-half of what it was on the day after irrigation. Techniques discussed allow evaluation of what the net radiation-soil heat flux difference would be under conditions of no surface saturation deficit at any time of year from measurements of net solar radiation, soil water content, and air temperature, thereby improving the utility of many evaporation models. The data also indicate that water content measurements may be replaced by more easily measured soil albedo.     

Effects of the soil heat flux estimates on surface energy balance closure over a semi-arid grassland

Soil heat flux is important for surface energy balance (SEB), and inaccurate estimation of soil heat flux often leads to surface energy imbalance. In this paper, by using observations of surface radiation fluxes and soil temperature gradients at a semi-arid grassland in Xilingguole, Inner Mongolia, China from June to September 2008, the characters of the SEB for the semi-arid grassland were analyzed. Firstly, monthly averaged diurnal variations of SEB components were revealed. A 30-min forward phase displacement of soil heat flux (G) observed by a fluxplate at the depth of 5-cm below the soil surface was conducted and its effect on the SEB was studied. Secondly, the surface soil heat flux (G _s) was computed by using harmonic analysis and the effect of the soil heat storage between the surface and the fluxplate on the SEB was examined. The results show that with the 30-min forward phase displacement of observed G, the slope of the ordinary linear regression (OLR) of turbulent fluxes (H+LE) against available energy (R _n-G) increased from 0.835 to 0.842, i.e., the closure ratio of SEB increased by 0.7%, yet energy imclosure of 15.8% still existed in the SEB. When G _s, instead of G was used in the SEB equation, the slope of corresponding OLR of (H+LE) against (R _n-G _s) reached 0.979, thereby the imclosure ratio of SEB was reduced to only 2.1%.     

Estimation of momentum and heat fluxes in the constant flux layer from temperature measurements

Global estimates of momentum and heat fluxes are required for the application of any general atmospheric and oceanic circulation model. A new technique for the estimation of these fluxes in a constant flux boundary layer is developed. The new approach is a modification of the dissipation technique but the only required measurements are the mean and fluctuating temperatures at two levels within the constant flux layer. All other flux estimation techniques require measurement of both temperature and velocity. Data are presented to compare flux estimation results with the conventional eddy-correlation technique. Also discussed are the limitations of the procedure and restrictions on its applicability.     

Estimation of ground heat flux from soil temperature over a bare soil

Ground soil heat flux, G ₀, is a difficult-to-measure but important component of the surface energy budget. Over the past years, many methods were proposed to estimate G ₀; however, the application of these methods was seldom validated and assessed under different weather conditions. In this study, three popular models (force-restore, conduction-convection, and harmonic) and one widely used method (plate calorimetric), which had well performance in publications, were investigated using field data to estimate daily G ₀ on clear, cloudy, and rainy days, while the gradient calorimetric method was regarded as the reference for assessing the accuracy. The results showed that harmonic model was well reproducing the G ₀ curve for clear days, but it yielded large errors on cloudy and rainy days. The force-restore model worked well only under rainfall condition, but it was poor to estimate G ₀ under rain-free conditions. On the contrary, the conduction-convection model was acceptable to determine G ₀ under rain-free conditions, but it generated large errors on rainfall days. More importantly, the plate calorimetric method was the best to estimate G ₀ under different weather conditions compared with the three models, but the performance of this method is affected by the placement depth of the heat flux plate. As a result, the heat flux plate was recommended to be buried as close as possible to the surface under clear condition. But under cloudy and rainy conditions, the plate placed at depth of around 0.075 m yielded G ₀ well. Overall, the findings of this paper provide guidelines to acquire more accurate estimation of G ₀ under different weather conditions, which could improve the surface energy balance in field.     

Eddy-correlation measurements of sensible heat fluxes over a grass surface

Direct measurements of sensible heat fluxes were conducted over a grass surface at Ladner, British Columbia, using yaw-sphere-thermometer eddy-correlation systems. The results show that for half-hour averaging periods, there is no phase-lag between sensible heat and net radiation flux densities. Field comparison of two yaw-sphere-thermometer systems gave good and consistent agreement. At a height of 2 m above ground and a horizontal crosswind separation of 1.5 m, less than 5% variability was noted in the measured heat fluxes. For a 19-m horizontal separation, the variability was less than 20%. The aridity index (α) advanced by Priestley and Taylor (1972), is shown to be a potentially useful climatic indicator.     

Variability of soil moisture and its relationship with surface albedo and soil thermal parameters over the Loess Plateau

Data from July 2006 to June 2008 observed at SACOL(Semi-Arid Climate and Environment Observatory of Lanzhou University,35.946°N,104.137°E,elev.1961 m),a semi-arid site in Northwest China,are used to study seasonal variability of soil moisture,along with surface albedo and other soil thermal parameters, such as heat capacity,thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity,and their relationships to soil moisture content.The results indicate that surface albedo decreases with increases in soil moisture content,s...     

Regional differences in surface sensible and latent heat fluxes in China

This study documents the variability of surface sensible and latent heat fluxes in five regions of China (Northwest China, the Tibetan Plateau, Northeast China, North China, and Southeast China) using the ERA-40 reanalysis for the years 1960–2000. The surface sensible and latent heat flux variations are remarkably different in Northwest and Southeast China. The seasonal variation of the surface sensible heat fluxes is largest in Northwest China and smallest in Southeast China. In contrast, the seasonal variation in latent heat flux is largest in Southeast China and smallest in Northwest China. The interdecadal variation of surface sensible and surface latent heat fluxes strongly depends on both the region and season. The trends in surface sensible and latent heat fluxes in all four seasons are mainly caused by variations in both the land–air temperature difference and in the specific humidity. There is also a limited contribution of wind speed in some regions, depending on the season.     

植被地表反照率动态模拟方法比较-以玉米农田为例

利用2007年锦州玉米农田生态系统野外观测站玉米生长季辐射资料,对地表反照率综合模型、半经验双层模型和简化双层模型模拟精度进行比较。结果表明：简化双层模型在玉米生育初期模拟能力较差,其他时段模拟能力都较强,尤其在玉米生育后期更为明显;半经验双层模型除在玉米叶面积指数处于最大时期模拟误差较小外,其他时段基本无法模拟。综合模型大部分时段模拟能力都较强,仅在玉米生育后期模拟能力稍差,该模型对实现玉米农田地表反照率动态参数化更为理想,可为改进陆面过程模型提供参考。     

Determination of soil heat flux in a tibetan short-grass prairie

Soil heat flux is examined using a new method considering soil thermal conduction and convection processes. Using this method, we determine that soil heat fluxes owing to soil thermal conduction and convection were significant for the Naqu site in the summer of 1998. Experimental analyses of the surface energy balance are given.     

一次沙尘暴过程中的地面感热通量分析

利用2016年3月3—5日的气象观测数据分析了一次沙尘暴过程中地面感热通量的变化特征。结果表明:在此次沙尘暴过程中,地面感热通量的日变化曲线呈现一波型。在通常情况下,白天地面感热通量是正值,夜间地面感热通量是负值。在出现沙尘暴的时段内,地面感热通量会发生很大变化。发生在夜间的沙尘暴阻碍地面辐射,减弱地面热量的损失,致使地面感热通量大于零;发生在白天的沙尘暴阻碍太阳辐射,显著消弱地面感热通量。     

Comparison of three schemes for predicting surface sensible heat flux

This paper compares three schemes which use standard meteorological observations to estimate values of the surface sensible heat flux. All three schemes have been designed to be applicable to mid-latitude, grass covered surfaces. The estimates are compared with heat flux data measured by a sonic anemometer situated at Cardington in the UK. Consideration is also given to the problem of predicting the surface sensible heat flux when could information is not available, as is the case for automatic weather stations. Provided incoming solar radiation is available, the predictions are not substantially worse.     

Uncoupled multi-layer model for the transfer of sensible and latent heat flux densities from vegetation

The sensible heat flux density C and the latent heat flux density E are coupled in the case of a multi-layer model of vegetation. Therefore two linearly independent combinations of C and E, the enthalpy flux density H and the saturation heat flux density J, are introduced. Two electrical analogues, for H and J, are designed. They are equivalent to the resistance scheme for C and E, but uncoupled. Penman's formulas for C and E, which are applicable only to single-layer models, can be expressed equivalently in terms of H and J. This version of Penman's formulas can be extended easily to multi-layer canopies.     

凝结潜热释放和地表热通量对一次飑线过程的影响

针对2013年7月4—5日一次产生大风、短时强降水强对流天气的飑线过程进行数值试验,研究了凝结潜热释放和地表热通量在中尺度对流系统的发生发展过程中的影响。结果表明:(1)凝结潜热释放对飑线系统有重要的作用,对飑线发展维持、移动及成熟阶段的垂直结构都有着一定影响。(2)当飑线系统进入成熟阶段后,小尺度的积云对流中的凝结加热作用于中高层大气,加强了高层辐散低层辐合的配置,而对流系统内垂直上升运动的加强又导致凝结加热作用更强。(3)凝结加热作用极大地促进了飑线的低层入流、高层出流的垂直结构,以及系统前方中层入流和高层出流之间形成的间接垂直反环流,促进高空动能下传的同时,使系统前方对流不稳定性增加,新的对流单体易于触发。(4)潜热释放间接增强了对流内部的冷性下沉气流,进而加强了低层的阵风锋,使得新的对流单体能在飑锋处触发,飑线以新老对流单体交替的方式向前移动。(5)在高低空急流的垂直耦合促进飑线发展的同时,成熟阶段飑线中较强的凝结加热对高低层急流有反馈作用,一定程度上增强了这种垂直耦合。(6)地表感热、潜热通量等边界层非绝热过程在对流系统的触发和发展中起到了较为重要的作用。地表热通量在白天加强了对流边界层的湍流混合作用,由此产生的特征维持到了夜间,形成了适合飑线触发的层结条件。另外,在对流形成之前,与地表潜热通量相关的边界层加湿作用为对流的爆发贮存了丰富的水汽和不稳定能量。     

The atmospheric energy budget and implications for surface fluxes and ocean heat transports

Comprehensive diagnostic comparisons and evaluations have been carried out with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) and European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalyses of the vertically integrated atmospheric energy budgets. For 1979 to 1993 the focus is on the monthly means of the divergence of the atmospheric energy transports. For February 1985 to April 1989, when there are reliable top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) radiation data from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE), the implied monthly mean surface fluxes are derived and compared with those from the assimilating models and from the Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere Data Set (COADS), both locally and zonally integrated, to deduce the implied ocean meridional heat transports. While broadscale aspects and some details of both the divergence of atmospheric energy and the surface flux climatological means are reproducible, especially in the zonal means, differences are also readily apparent. Systematic differences are typically ∼20 W m⁻². The evaluation highlights the poor results over land. Land imbalances indicate local errors in the divergence of the atmospheric energy transports for monthly means on scales of 500 km (T31) of 30 W m⁻² in both reanalyses and ∼50 W m⁻² in areas of high topography and over Antarctica for NCEP/NCAR. Over the oceans in the extratropics, the monthly mean anomaly time series of the vertically integrated total energy divergence from the two reanalyses correspond reasonably well, with correlations exceeding 0.7. A common monthly mean climate signal of about 40 W m⁻² is inferred along with local errors of 25 to 30 W m⁻² in most extratropical regions. Except for large scales, there is no useful common signal in the tropics, and reproducibility is especially poor in regions of active convection and where stratocumulus prevails. Although time series of monthly anomalies of surface bulk fluxes from the two models and COADS agree very well over the northern extratropical oceans, the total fields all contain large systematic biases which make them unsuitable for determining ocean heat transports. TOA biases in absorbed shortwave, outgoing longwave and net radiation from both reanalysis models are substantial (>20 W m⁻² in the tropics) and indicate that clouds are a primary source of problems in the model fluxes, both at the surface and the TOA. Time series of monthly COADS surface fluxes are shown to be unreliable south of about 20^∘N where there are fewer than 25 observations per 5^∘ square per month. Only the derived surface fluxes give reasonable implied meridional ocean heat transports. Received: 21 March 2000 / Accepted: 21 June 2000