Abstract
The knowledge of the fog-top height (fog thickness) can be very meaningful for aircraft maneuvers, data assimilation/
validation of Numerical Weather Prediction models or nowcasting of fog dissipation. However, its value
is usually difficult to determine and it is sometimes approximated with satellite data, ground remote-sensing instruments or atmospheric soundings. These instruments are expensive and their data not always available. In this
work, we show how the fog-top height shows a linear correlation with atmospheric turbulent variables measured
close to the surface. This relation is statistically calculated from observational data of several radiation-fog events
at two research sites: The Research Centre for the Lower Atmosphere (CIBA) in Spain and the Cabauw Experimental
Site for Atmospheric Research (CESAR) in The Netherlands. Thus, surface friction velocity and buoyancy
heat flux are presented as potential indicators of fog thickness. These methods are also evaluated over a longlasting
radiation-fog event at CESAR. The proposed methods could be operationally implemented for providing a
continuous estimation of fog-top height through the deployment of a sonic anemometer close to the surface.
validation of Numerical Weather Prediction models or nowcasting of fog dissipation. However, its value
is usually difficult to determine and it is sometimes approximated with satellite data, ground remote-sensing instruments or atmospheric soundings. These instruments are expensive and their data not always available. In this
work, we show how the fog-top height shows a linear correlation with atmospheric turbulent variables measured
close to the surface. This relation is statistically calculated from observational data of several radiation-fog events
at two research sites: The Research Centre for the Lower Atmosphere (CIBA) in Spain and the Cabauw Experimental
Site for Atmospheric Research (CESAR) in The Netherlands. Thus, surface friction velocity and buoyancy
heat flux are presented as potential indicators of fog thickness. These methods are also evaluated over a longlasting
radiation-fog event at CESAR. The proposed methods could be operationally implemented for providing a
continuous estimation of fog-top height through the deployment of a sonic anemometer close to the surface.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
| Event | European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2016, 17–22 April 2016, Vienna, Austria - , United Kingdom Duration: 17 Apr 2016 → 22 Apr 2016 |
Conference/symposium
| Conference/symposium | European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2016, 17–22 April 2016, Vienna, Austria |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| Period | 17/04/16 → 22/04/16 |