Surface-Layer Similarity of the Temperature Structure Parameter

Abstract

The temperature structure parameter at two heights over a horizontally homogeneous site was measured using optical scintillometers and resistance-wire thermometers. The scintillometers gave systematically greater values than did the wire thermometers, as would be expected on the basis of the likely systematic errors of these two different instruments. Eddy correlation measurements of heat and momentum fluxes, as well as momentum flux derived from surface roughness and wind speed, allow investigation of the Monin-Obukhov similarity of the temperature structure parameter. The similarity is confirmed and compared with previous experiments. The data are mostly for unstable conditions. Disagreement between two previous datasets is resolved.