A Comparison of Simultaneous Wind Profiles Derived from Smooth and Roughened Spheres

Abstract

Wind profiles plotted from data obtained by tracking Jimspheres (rough surface) and smooth 100-gm spherical balloons released at a common point simultaneously are presented. High precision cinetheodolites were utilized to track the balloons. The computed wind shear for various thickness layers were greater when using data from the smooth balloon. The relationship between the magnitude of the mean vector shears and the shear interval δh assumes a power law with the exponent varying from near one-fourth to two-thirds, depending upon the sensitivity of sensor used and also the height above the surface.