Exposing Spatio-Temporal structures of turbulence in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer with In-Situ measurements by a fleet of Unmanned Aerial Systems

Introduction

Exchange and transport processes in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) are driven by turbulence on a wide range of scales. Their adequate parameterization in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models is essential for a high predictive skill of forecasts.

Challenges in Complex Terrain

In heterogeneous and complex terrain, the common simplification of turbulence to statistical models does not necessarily hold. Coherent structures such as convective cells, secondary circulations, gusts, slope, and valley flows can be summarized to sub-mesoscale structures which are not well represented in models.

A reason for the lack of understanding of these flow features is the challenge to adequately sample their spatio-temporal structure and their contribution to the energy budget of the ABL.

Project Overview

The project ESTABLIS-UAS will provide methods to expose spatio-temporal structures in the ABL with in-situ measurements by a fleet of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). For this purpose, small, rotary-wing UAS will be enabled to measure three-dimensional wind, temperature, and humidity in organized, spatially distributed networks.

Methodology

The project will include a three-fold approach to validate:

1. Single UAS measurements
2. Fleet observations
3. Methods to derive spatial averages and fluxes

Wind tunnel tests, field experiments, and virtual measurements in numerical simulations will be performed.

Campaign Deployment

The validated UAS fleet will be deployed in two campaigns in the framework of the TEAMx research programme, focusing on the mountain boundary layer (MoBL).

Expected Outcomes

The ESTABLIS-UAS measurements will fill observational gaps in the sub-mesoscale. The analysis of the UAS fleet data in synthesis with ground observations and remote sensing will provide unprecedented new insights into the complex MoBL flow and the components of its energy budget.

The results will foster the development of new and better parameterization of the ABL in complex terrain.