boundary layer targeted observations using the glidersonde meteorological package part i:...
TRANSCRIPT
Boundary Layer Targeted Observations using the Glidersonde Meteorological Package
Part I: Description and Results
Daniel B. Weber
Frank W. Gallagher III
Kenneth HowardPhoto by Wayne Feltz
Dataplane History
• The Dataplane was launched as a collaboration between Drs. Frank Gallagher and Dan Weber in the spring of 2000.
• The reusable platform consists of:
– A radio controlled model aircraft
– A computer controlled meteorological instrumentation package.
Dataplane Purpose
• Test a newly developed instrument package via high-resolution targeted measurements of the boundary layer.
– Scalars: temperature, pressure and water vapor.
Delivery Platform Specifications
• Guidance: Radio controlled, pilot must see the aircraft
• Wing span: 1.5-2.5m
• Takeoff weight: 3.5-5kg
• Range: 1-1.25km vertical and horizontal
• Flight Duration: 20-25 minutes
• Airspeed: 10m/s - 40 m/s
• Source: Off the shelf kits and parts
• Cost: Aircraft $350-$550
Instrumentation
• Glidersonde project supported by Ken Howard and Mike Douglas at NSSL, CIMMS-OU.
• Designed and built by Frank Gallagher, CIMMS-OU.
• Tested Spring, Summer, Fall 2000.
Glidersonde Meteorological Package
• Vaisala RS-80 Based Sensor– Pressure, Temperature, Relative Humidity
• GPS Time, Position, and Aircraft Velocity• One-Second Data Acquisition• Data Stored on Board
– Up to 5 Days with 20 Mb PCMCIA card
• NiMH Batteries for 4-Hour Collection• Simple PC RS-232 Interface• Transmitter Option for Telemetry• Base Cost: $1500
Field Experiments
• Winter wheat field, April 2000
• June 2000: Research Experiences for Undergraduates -- University of Oklahoma and Clark-Atlanta University
• ARM Water Vapor IOP 2000, Lamont, OK
April, 2000 Wheat Field Study
• Site: Northwest of Kingfisher, OK
• Time: Evening soundings
• Purpose: Capture the early development of the nocturnal boundary layer profile.
June, 2000 Field Study
• Operations just south of the OU Norman, OK campus on the CORCS Club Field.
• Operations commenced at 14:30Z and data were collected until 18:00Z.
• Purpose: Capture the early development of a heated boundary layer during quiescent synoptic conditions.
REU Results
• Numerous soundings taken Animated
• Strong surface heating and superadiabatic surface layer observed.
• Well-mixed boundary layer developed up to 900mb by the end of the observing period (noon).
• Strong moisture gradient at the top of the mixed layer (6 C).
ARM Water Vapor IOP 2000
• Operations located at the ARM Central Facility.
• Purpose: Supporting water vapor measurements for comparison with the on-site balloon launch, Dial and Raman Lidar data.
• Operations window: 3pm to dusk, minimize background solar radiation/contamination for the lidars.
ARM Water Vapor IOP 2000
• Measurements obtained during four days:– Evening of September 29, 2000, off-site– Evening of September 30, 2000, off-site– Evening of October 2, 2000, on-site– Morning of October 3, 2000, on-site
• Results from each period are compared to the dual balloon launches.
ARM Off-Site Observations• Obstacles: dirt roads, narrow runways, and numerous
hazards
©2000 Frank W. Gallagher III
ARM On-Site Observations• Operations center located 100m northwest of the
balloon trailer in groomed pasture.
©2000 Frank W. Gallagher III
Balloon
ARM Chilled Mirror - Dataplane Dew Point Calibration (C1 and DP1-A4)
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
0 1 2 3 4
Calibration time (minutes)
Inst
rum
ent B
ias
(C)
092900 pre
092900 post
093000 pre
093000 post
100200 pre
100200 post
100300 pre