Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

09:05
Measurements of CO2 Fluxes at Non-Ideal Eddy Covariance Sites
Published on: June 24, 2019
Comparisons of meteorological structure parameters in complex terrain using optical and acoustical techniques
Applied Optics
|June 10, 2010
Summary
This study compared remote sensing data with in situ measurements for wind, temperature, and turbulence in valleys. Optical and acoustic methods showed good agreement, validating remote sensing for complex terrain analysis.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Remote Sensing
- Meteorology
Background:
- Complex terrain presents challenges for meteorological measurements.
- Remote sensing offers spatial data but requires validation with in situ methods.
- Understanding spatial representativity of point measurements is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare remotely sensed wind, temperature, and turbulence with in situ data.
- To evaluate optical and acoustic remote sensing techniques in valleys.
- To assess the spatial and temporal representativity of remote sensing in complex terrain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optical and acoustic remote sensing techniques.
- Employed in situ instrumentation for direct measurements.
- Conducted comparisons across and within valley environments.
- Analyzed the index-of-refraction structure function C(n) and temperature structure function C(T).
Main Results:
- Remotely sensed data showed good agreement with in situ measurements.
- Optical and acoustic techniques provided comparable results for turbulence.
- The study provided insights into spatial averaging effects of remote sensing.
- Validation of remote sensing data in complex terrain was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Remote sensing is a viable tool for meteorological studies in complex terrain.
- In situ measurements are essential for validating and interpreting remote sensing data.
- The comparison of C(n) and C(T) supports the use of remote sensing for turbulence characterization.
Related Concept Videos
Influence of Earth's Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction on Leveling
During leveling, the Earth's curvature and atmospheric refraction introduce deviations in the line of sight from a true horizontal reference. When the line of sight is leveled, it remains perpendicular to the plumb line only at a single point. Beyond this, it deviates due to the Earth’s curvature, represented by the correction C. For a sight distance D, the deviation can be derived using the relationship:This relationship shows that the deviation increases quadratically with distance. Over a...
Precipitation Gravimetry
Precipitation gravimetry is based on converting an analyte into a sparingly soluble precipitate, which is separated by filtration and weighed. An ideal precipitate should be pure, insoluble, of known composition, and easily filtered from the reaction mixture.
In determining nickel by gravimetric analysis, a precipitant of ethanolic dimethylglyoxime is added to a hot nickel salt solution. This is quickly followed by the dropwise addition of dilute ammonia solution until precipitation occurs. A...
In determining nickel by gravimetric analysis, a precipitant of ethanolic dimethylglyoxime is added to a hot nickel salt solution. This is quickly followed by the dropwise addition of dilute ammonia solution until precipitation occurs. A...
Boundary Layer Characteristics
When a fluid encounters a solid surface, a boundary layer forms due to the interaction between the fluid's motion and the stationary surface. This phenomenon is characterized by a thin region adjacent to the surface where viscous forces dominate, influencing the fluid's velocity profile. The development of the boundary layer begins at the leading edge of the surface and evolves as the fluid moves downstream.As the fluid flows over the surface, friction between the fluid and the wall slows down...
Methods of Obtaining Topography
Topography involves measuring and mapping land elevations, natural features, and artificial structures to create accurate representations of the terrain. Topographic surveying relies on traditional and modern methods, each with distinct advantages and limitations.Traditional Surveying Methods:Transit stadia surveys and plane table surveys were widely used traditional surveying methods. These techniques relied on instruments like theodolites and stadia rods for measuring distances and angles,...
Doppler Effect - II
The Doppler effect has several practical, real-world applications. For instance, meteorologists use Doppler radars to interpret weather events based on the Doppler effect. Typically, a transmitter emits radio waves at a specific frequency toward the sky from a weather station. The radio waves bounce off the clouds and precipitation and travel back to the weather station. The radio frequency of the waves reflected back to the station appears to decrease if the clouds or precipitation are moving...
Variation of Atmospheric Pressure
Change in atmospheric pressure with height is particularly interesting. The decrease in atmospheric pressure with increasing altitude is due to the decreasing gravitational force per unit area as we move away from the surface of the earth.
Assuming the air temperature is constant at a given altitude and that the ideal gas law of thermodynamics describes the atmosphere to a good approximation, one can find the variation of atmospheric pressure with height.
Let p(y) be the atmospheric pressure at...
Assuming the air temperature is constant at a given altitude and that the ideal gas law of thermodynamics describes the atmosphere to a good approximation, one can find the variation of atmospheric pressure with height.
Let p(y) be the atmospheric pressure at...

