Open AccessSpatial variations of sensible heat flux over an urban area measured using Doppler lidar
Author(s) -
Davis J. C.,
Collier C. G.,
Davies F.,
Bozier K. E.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
meteorological applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1469-8080
pISSN - 1350-4827
DOI - 10.1002/met.79
Subject(s) - sensible heat , lidar , terrain , environmental science , heat flux , meteorology , energy balance , doppler effect , boundary layer , remote sensing , flux (metallurgy) , energy flux , urban climatology , atmospheric sciences , geography , urban climate , geology , heat transfer , urban planning , mechanics , materials science , physics , cartography , astronomy , metallurgy , thermodynamics , ecology , biology
The terrain and morphology of an urban area have a major impact upon the distribution of sensible heat flux and consequently the energy balance of the boundary layer. The spatial distribution of sensible heat flux is difficult to measure, particularly in cities. In this article the potential of a scanning Doppler lidar to make these measurements is explored. The measurements of sensible heat flux are interpreted using a simple trajectory model and an energy balance model. The lidar does seem to offer a practical measurement technique, although the system employed in this study does not have sufficient resolution to provide detailed values over small areas. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society