Development of a measurement platformon a light airplane and analysis of airborne measurementsin the atmospheric boundary layer

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M. de Franceschi
G. Rampanelli
D. Sguerso
D. Zardi
P. Zatelli

Abstract

In the present paper we provide an overview of a long term research project aimed at setting up a suitable platform
for measurements in the atmospheric boundary layer on a light airplane along with some preliminary results
obtained from fi eld campaigns at selected sites. Measurements of air pressure, temperature and relative humidity
have been performed in various Alpine valleys up to a height of about 2500 m a.m.s.l. By means of GPS resources
and specifi c post-processing procedures careful positioning of measurement points within the explored domain
has been achieved. The analysis of collected data allowed detailed investigation of atmospheric vertical structures
and dynamics typical of valley environment, such as morning transition from ground based inversion to fully
developed well mixed convective boundary layer. Based on data collected along fl ights, 3D fi elds of the explored
variables have been detected and identifi ed through application of geostatistical techniques (Kriging). The adopted
procedures allowed evaluation of the intrinsic statistical structure of the spatial distribution of measured quantities
and the estimate of the values of the same variable at unexplored locations by suitable weighted average of data
recorded at close locations. Results thus obtained are presented and discussed.

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How to Cite
de Franceschi, M., Rampanelli, G., Sguerso, D., Zardi, D. and Zatelli, P. (2003) “Development of a measurement platformon a light airplane and analysis of airborne measurementsin the atmospheric boundary layer”, Annals of Geophysics, 46(2). doi: 10.4401/ag-3401.
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