Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Estimation Of Atmospheric Water Vapour Flux Profiles In The Nocturnal Unstable Urban Boundary Layer With Doppler Sodar And Raman Lidar

  • Published:
Boundary-Layer Meteorology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The vertical wind profiles determined by Doppler sodar and the water vapourmixing ratio profiles obtained by Raman lidar are used to estimate the atmosphericwater vapour flux profiles in the nocturnal urban boundary layer under unstableconditions. The experiment was conducted for several nights in the central areaof Rome under a variety of moisture conditions and different urban boundary-layerflow regimes. Despite some scatter in the profiles, the latent heat flux is found tobe positive throughout the depth of the nocturnal urban boundary-layer. Thelayer-averaged flux shows a variation between -4 to +40 W m-2, whileindividual values of flux in excess of +150 W m-2 pertain to a case offree convection during cold air advection caused by the sea breeze. The qualityof flux estimates is found to be highly limited by the low sampling rates employedin the experiment resulting in errors to the order of 60%. Therefore, the results mustbe viewed as estimates rather than precise measurements. The skewness profiles ofthe turbulent fluctuations of vertical velocity and water vapour mixing ratio are alsopositive.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Argentini, S., Mastrantonio, G., Fiocco, G., and Ocone, R.: 1992, 'Complexity of the Wind Field as Observed by a Sodar System and by Automatic Weather Stations on the Nansen Ice Sheet, Antarctica, during Summer 1988-89: Two Case Studies', Tellus 44B, 422-429.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asimakopoulos, D. N., Helmis, C. G., and Petrakis, M.: 1997, 'Mini Acoustic Sounding, a Powerful Tool for ABL Applications: Recent Advances', in S. P. Singal (ed.), Acoustic Remote Sensing Applications, Narosa Publishing House, New Delhi, pp. 117-132.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blackadar, A. K.: 1997, Turbulence and Diffusion in the Atmosphere, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 185 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Casadio, S.: 1993, Atmospheric Water Vapor Concentration Measurements with Raman Lidar, Doctorate Thesis, University of Rome, Rome, 156 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Casadio, S., di Sarra, A., Fiocco, G., Fuà, D., Lena, F., and Rao, M. P.: 1996, 'Convective Characteristics of the Nocturnal Urban Boundary Layer as Observed with Doppler Sodar and Raman Lidar', Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 79, 375-391.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chiba, O.: 1978, 'Stability Dependence of the Vertical Velocity Skewness in the Atmospheric Surface Layer', J. Meteorol. Soc. Japan 56, 140-142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ching, J. K. S.: 1985, 'Urban-Scale Variations of Turbulence Parameters and Fluxes', Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 33, 335-361.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ching, J. K. S., Clarke, J. F., and Godowitch, J. M.: 1983, 'Modulation of Heat Flux by Different Scales of Advection in an Urban Environment', Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 25, 171-191.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chow, S. H., Atlas, D., and Yeh, E.: 1986, 'Turbulence in a Convective Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer', J. Atmos. Sci. 43, 547-564.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elisei, G., Maini, M., Marzorati, A., Morselli, M. G., Fiocco, G., Cantarano, G., and Mastrantonio, G.: 1986, 'Implementation of a Multiaxial Doppler Sodar System with Advanced Data Processing', Atmos. Res. 20, 109-118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gamo, M., Goyal, P., Manju Kumari, Mohanty, U. C., and Singh, M. P.: 1994, 'Mixed Layer Characteristics as Related to the Monsoon Climate of New Delhi, India', Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 67, 213-227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garratt, J. R.: 1992, The Atmospheric Boundary Layer, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 316 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Giez, A., Ehret, G., and Schwiesow, R. L.: 1997, 'Measurement of the Vertical Water Vapor Flux in the Convective Boundary Layer Using a DIAL and a Coherent Wind Lidar', in A. Ansmann, R. Neuber, P. Rairoux, and U. Wandinger (eds.), Advances in Atmospheric Remote Sensing with Lidar, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp. 329-332.

    Google Scholar 

  • Giez, A., Ehret, G., Schwiesow, R. L., Davis, K. J., and Lenschow, D. H.: 1999, 'Water Vapor Flux Measurements from Ground-Based Vertically Pointed Water Vapor Differential Absorption and Doppler Lidars', J. Atmos. Oceanic Tech. 16, 237-250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenhut, G. K. and Mastrantonio, G.: 1989, 'Turbulence Kinetic Energy Budget Profiles Derived from Doppler Sodar Measurements', J. Appl. Meteorol. 28, 99-106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grossman, R. L. and Gamage, N.: 1995, 'Moisture Flux and Mixing Processes in the Daytime Continental Convective Boundary Layer', J. Geophys. Res. 100, 25665-25674.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hildebrand, P. H. and Ackerman, B.: 1984, 'Urban Effects on the Convective Boundary Layer', J. Atmos. Sci. 41, 76-91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huynh, B. P., Coulman, C. E., and Turner, T. R.: 1990, 'Some Turbulence Characteristics of Convectively Mixed Layers over Rugged and Homogeneous Terrain', Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 51, 229-254.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaimal, J. C. and Finnigan, J. J.: 1994, Atmospheric Boundary Layer Flows, Oxford University Press, New York, 289 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiemle, C., Ehret, G., Giez, A., Davis, K. J., Lenschow, D. H., and Oncley, S. P.: 1997, 'Estimation of Boundary Layer Humidity Fluxes and Statistics from Airborne Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL)', J. Geophys. Res. 102(D24), 28189-28203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kristensen, L. and Gaynor, J. E.: 1986, 'Errors in Second Moments Estimated from Monostatic Doppler Sodar Winds, Part 1: Theoretical Description', J. Atmos. Oceanic Tech. 3, 523-528.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kristensen, L., Mann, J., Oncley, S. P., and Wyngaard, J. C.: 1997, 'How Close Is Close Enough when Measuring Scalar Fluxes with Displaced Sensors?', J. Atmos. Oceanic Tech. 14, 814-821.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, X. and Black, T. A.: 1994, 'Relating Eddy Correlation Sensible Heat Flux to Horizontal Sensor Separation in the Unstable Atmospheric Surface Layer', J. Geophys. Res. 99, 18545-18553.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenschow, D. H. and Stankov, B. B.: 1986, 'Length Scales in the Convective Boundary Layer', J. Atmos. Sci. 43, 1198-1209.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenschow, D. H., Wyngaard, J. C., and Pennell, W. T.: 1980, 'Mean-Field and Second-Moment Budgets in a Baroclinic, Convective Boundary Layer', J. Atmos. Sci. 37, 1313-1326.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lohou, F., Druilhet, A., Campistron, B., Redelsperger, J. L., and Saïd, F.: 2000, 'Numerical Study of the Impact of Coherent Structures on Vertical Transfers in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer', Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 97, 361-383.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahrt, L.: 1991, 'Boundary-Layer Moisture Regimes', Quart. J. Roy. Meteorol. Soc. 117, 151-176.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mastrantonio, G. and Fiocco, G.: 1982, 'Accuracy of Wind Velocity Determinations with Doppler Sodar', J. Appl. Meteorol. 21, 820-830.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mastrantonio, G., Viola, A. P., Argentini, S., Fiocco, G., Giannini, L., Rossini, L., Abbate, G., Ocone

  • R., and Casanato, M.: 1994, 'Observations of Sea Breeze Events in Rome and the Surrounding Area by a Network of Doppler Sodars', Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 71, 67-80.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melling, H. and List, R.: 1980, 'Characteristics of Vertical Velocity Fluctuations in a Convective Urban Boundary Layer', J. Appl. Meteorol. 19, 1184-1195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moeng, C. H. and Rotunno, R.: 1990, 'Vertical Velocity Skewness in the Buoyancy-Driven Boundary Layer', J. Atmos. Sci. 47, 1149-1162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moyer, K. A. and Young, G. S.: 1991, 'Observations of Vertical Velocity Skewness within theMarine Stratocumulus-Topped Boundary Layer', J. Atmos. Sci. 48, 403-410.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oke, T. R.: 1987, Boundary Layer Climates, Routledge, London, 435 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oke, T. R.: 1995, 'The Heat Island of the Urban Boundary Layer: Characteristics, Causes and Effects', in J. E. Cermak, A. G. Davenport, E. J. Plate, and D. X. Viegas (eds.), Wind Climate in Cities, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, pp. 81-107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rao, M. P., Casadio, S., Fiocco, G., Lena, F., Cacciani, M., Calisse, P. G., di Sarra, A., and Fuà, D.: 1995, 'Observation of Lump Structures in the Nocturnal Atmospheric Boundary Layer with Doppler Sodar and Raman Lidar', Geophys. Res. Lett. 22, 2505-2508.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rao, M. P., Kumar, A. R., and Murthy, J. S. R.: 1990, 'Acoustic Sounding of Sea Breeze at Visakhapatnam: Some Case Studies', in S. P. Singal (ed.), Acoustic Remote Sensing, Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi, pp. 336-341.

    Google Scholar 

  • Senff, C., Bösenberg, J., and Peters, G.: 1994, 'Measurement of Water Vapor Flux Profiles in the Convective Boundary Layer with Lidar and Radar-RASS', J. Atmos. Oceanic Tech. 11, 85-93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shao, Y. and Hacker, J. M.: 1990, 'Local Similarity Relationships in a Horizontally Inhomogeneous Boundary Layer', Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 52, 17-40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stull, R. B.: 1988, An Introduction to Boundary Layer Meteorology, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, 666 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Uno, I., Wakamatsu, S., Ueda, H., and Nakamura, A.: 1988, 'An Observational Study of the Structure of the Nocturnal Urban Boundary Layer', Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 45, 59-82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Uno, I., Wakamatsu, S., Ueda, H., and Nakamura, A.: 1992, 'Observed Structure of the Nocturnal Urban Boundary Layer and its Evolution into a Convective Mixed Layer', Atmos. Environ. 26B, 45-57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wulfmeyer, V.: 1999a, 'Investigation of Turbulent Processes in the Lower Troposphere with Water Vapor DIAL and Radar-RASS', J. Atmos. Sci. 56, 1055-1076.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wulfmeyer, V.: 1999b, 'Investigations of Humidity Skewness and Variance Profiles in the Convective Boundary Layer and Comparison of the Latter with Large Eddy Simulation Results', J. Atmos. Sci. 56, 1077-1087.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wyngaard, J. C.: 1988, 'Structure of the PBL', in A. Venkatram and J. C. Wyngaard (eds.), Lectures on Air Pollution Modeling, American Meteorological Society, Boston, pp. 9-61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wyngaard, J. C.: 1990, 'Scalar Fluxes in the Planetary Boundary Layer-Theory, Modeling, and Measurements', Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 50, 49-75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wyngaard, J. C. and Brost, R. A.: 1984, 'Top-Down and Bottom-Up Diffusion of a Scalar in the Convective Boundary Layer', J. Atmos. Sci. 41, 102-112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, M. Y., Lenschow, D. H., Stankov, B. B., Kaimal, J. C., and Gaynor, J. E.: 1985, 'Wave and Turbulence Structure in a Shallow Baroclinic Convective Boundary Layer and Overlying Inversion', J. Atmos. Sci. 42, 47-57.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, 530003, India

    M.P. Rao

  2. Department of Physics, University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, I-00185, Rome, Italy

    S. Casadio, G. Fiocco, M. Cacciani, D. Fuá & P. Castracane

  3. AMB/ENEA, I-00060, S. Maria di Galeria, Italy

    A. Di Sarra

Authors
  1. M.P. Rao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. Casadio
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. G. Fiocco
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. Cacciani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. A. Di Sarra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. D. Fuá
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. P. Castracane
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Rao, M., Casadio, S., Fiocco, G. et al. Estimation Of Atmospheric Water Vapour Flux Profiles In The Nocturnal Unstable Urban Boundary Layer With Doppler Sodar And Raman Lidar. Boundary-Layer Meteorology 102, 39–62 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012794731389

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012794731389

Search

Navigation