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Turbulence structure of a tropical forest

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Abstract

A detailed analysis is presented of the horizontal wind fluctuations with periods 20 s to 1 hr, and their vertical structure as measured with light three-cup anemometers in a tropical forest environment. Information collected during the TREND (Tropical Environmental Data) experiment in a monsoon dominated region, was utilized. A special attempt was made to extract information relevant for dispersion modeling. Variability parameters within and above the forest canopy under different stability conditions were derived. A similar analysis was performed for a nearby clearing, to facilitate comparison between relatively smooth and rough surfaces, under identical ambient conditions. A limited sample of data (7 days) was utilized, initially, to develop a methodology to be later applied on a comprehensive data base, spanning the whole monsoon cycle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Meteorology, University of Maryland, 20742, College Park, MD, USA

    R. T. Pinker & J. Z. Holland

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  1. R. T. Pinker
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  2. J. Z. Holland
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Pinker, R.T., Holland, J.Z. Turbulence structure of a tropical forest. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 43, 43–63 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00153968

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00153968

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