Some medium-path infrared observations of atmospheric boundary-layer structure during light wind

Variations in water-vapour absorption were measured using a recently constructed field spectrophotometer, operated at a wavelength of 1.38 gm and with path lengths of 15 and 20 m. Observations were made 1 m above the ground near sunset, dawn, and during the morning destruction of nocturnal atmospheric stability. A diurnally consistent evolution of water-vapour turbulence regimes was observed. The presence of ordered events was revealed. These fluctuations indicate changes of vapour pressure, spatially averaged over the base-line, as large as about +7 mb in 4 s. Classification of light-wind observing conditions by using six classes of distinct non-random events appears possible. Such a classification system may reduce some of the characteristic scatter of micrometeorological results which arises during stable observing conditions or during comparison of real-world observing sites.On sabbatical leave (1975) at the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, Wilts., England.