Experimental evaluation of latent heat flux during night-time radiative hoarfrost

A method to evaluate the latent heat flux during favourable conditions to frost formation has been tested with measurements made on two consecutive nights. The method is based on a surface thermal budget. Results show sign changes in the computed latent heat flux according to the observed cycle of frost formation and thaw. Flux estimates of 0.045 cal cm^-2 min^-1, with a mean relative error of 30%, have been obtained during the period of maximum frost accretion.