Fluctuations of the horizontal wind under unstable conditions

The similarity relations for _u/u_* proposed by Panofskyet al. (1977) and Højstrup (1982) have been verified using eddy-correlation data collected during the EFEDA-experiment, conducted over the extensive plain of La Mancha (Spain), where vine plants form a primary crop. Also, the standard Monin-Obukhov relation is considered. It is found that the expressions by Panofskyet al. and Højstrup both yield almost identical results, and are better than the Monin-Obukhov expression. Also, _u measured with a cup anemometer obeys the similarity expressions well, provided that the effect of the variation of wind direction on propellor wind speed is accounted for. The relationship of Panofskyet al. works rather well even when the boundary-layer height scaleh is replaced by a fixed height,h _c. Best results were obtained forh _c=1800 m. This height scale is possibly associated with the horizontal variability in the surface sensible heat flux pattern.