Quantifying Surface Heat Exchange over Heterogeneous Land Surfaces at Ultra-High Spatio-Temporal Resolution

Wind field estimations are validated with near-surface three-dimensional short-path ultrasonic data. To demonstrate the capabilities of the screen method, we present results from a comprehensive field campaign at an alpine research site during patchy snow cover conditions. The measurements reveal an extremely heterogeneous near-surface atmospheric layer.

Vertical profiles of horizontal and vertical wind speed reflect multiple layers of different static stability within 2m above the surface. A dynamic, thin stable internal boundary layer (SIBL) develops above the leading edge of snow patches protecting the snow surface from warmer air above. During pronounced gusts the warm air from aloft entrains into the SIBL and reaches down to the snow surface adding energy to the snow pack.

Measured vertical turbulent sensible heat fluxes are shown to be consistent with air temperature and wind speed profiles obtained using the screen method and confirm its capabilities to investigate complex in situ near-surface heat exchange processes. Here you find the data and the documented code used to create the plots in the publication.