Assessment of the performance of the drag and bulk transfer method in estimating sensible and latent heat fluxes in a tropical station

The performance of the general bulk formulation in estimating sensible heat flux at Nigerian Micrometeorological Experimental site was assessed. Reliable sensible heat flux was estimated with the use of accurate diurnal values of transfer coefficient of sensible heat. The performances of one α, two β and a modified α formulations in the estimation of latent heat flux were also assessed at the station. The Lee and Pielke (β), modified Kondo (α), Jacquemin and Noilhan (α) and Noilhan and Planton (β) parameterizations gave good estimation of latent heat flux. The coefficient of determination (R ²) of the models between measured and estimated values were greater than 0.7. Low diurnal mean absolute error and root mean squared error values were found between measured and estimated fluxes. All the parameterizations gave reliable latent heat flux when diurnal values of transfer coefficients of moisture were used.