Clear-Air Roll Vortices and Turbulent Motions as Detected with an Airborne Gust Probe and Dual-Doppler Radar

Abstract

A case-study comparison is made of simultaneous airborne gust probe and dual-Doppler radar measurements of motions associated with roll vortices in the optically clear planetary boundary layer. Inter-comparison of the cross-roll component of motion is emphasized. Some similarities and some differences in the data obtained with the two systems are discussed. Considering the differences in measurement techniques, agreement is good between the independent depictions of the roll structure and quantitative determinations of the intensities and predominant scales of eddy motion. The observed roll vortices fit descriptions and cause-effect relationships from certain models and other observations.