Lidar Measurements of Wind in the Planetary Boundary Layer: The Method, Accuracy and Results from Joint Measurements with Radiosonde and Kytoon

Abstract

During the Central Illinois Rainfall Chemistry Experiment (CIRCE), the University of Wisconsin lidar measured wind and turbulence profiles through the planetary boundary layer for a 32-h period in conjunction with surface observations, radiosonde soundings and kytoon profiles made by Argonne National Laboratory. The lidar profiles were made using an advection model for aerosol inhomogeneities as described by Sroga et al. We discuss improvements to this model and explore the accuracy of the lidar wind and boundary layer depth measurements. In addition, the temporal variation of lidar data was utilized to measure boundary layer depth objectively. Cross sections of the speed, direction and rms variation of the wind for the 32-h period show the daytime convective layer, nocturnal stable layer and transitional periods. Abstract During the Central Illinois Rainfall Chemistry Experiment (CIRCE), the University of Wisconsin lidar measured wind and turbulence profiles through the planetary boundary layer for a 32-h period in conjunction with surface observations, radiosonde soundings and kytoon profiles made by Argonne National Laboratory. The lidar profiles were made using an advection model for aerosol inhomogeneities as described by Sroga et al. We discuss improvements to this model and explore the accuracy of the lidar wind and boundary layer depth measurements. In addition, the temporal variation of lidar data was utilized to measure boundary layer depth objectively. Cross sections of the speed, direction and rms variation of the wind for the 32-h period show the daytime convective layer, nocturnal stable layer and transitional periods.