Boundary Layer Targeted Observations using the Glidersonde Meteorological Package

Part I: Description and Results

Daniel B. Weber

Frank W. Gallagher III

Kenneth HowardPhoto by Wayne Feltz

Dataplane History

• The Dataplane was launched as a collaboration between Drs. Frank Gallagher and Dan Weber in the spring of 2000.

• The reusable platform consists of:

– A radio controlled model aircraft

– A computer controlled meteorological instrumentation package.

Dataplane Purpose

• Test a newly developed instrument package via high-resolution targeted measurements of the boundary layer.

– Scalars: temperature, pressure and water vapor.

Aircraft

40 Sized Trainer Senior Telemaster

©2000 Frank W. Gallagher III Photo by Wayne Feltz

Delivery Platform Specifications

• Guidance: Radio controlled, pilot must see the aircraft

• Wing span: 1.5-2.5m

• Takeoff weight: 3.5-5kg

• Range: 1-1.25km vertical and horizontal

• Flight Duration: 20-25 minutes

• Airspeed: 10m/s - 40 m/s

• Source: Off the shelf kits and parts

• Cost: Aircraft $350-$550

Instrumentation

• Glidersonde project supported by Ken Howard and Mike Douglas at NSSL, CIMMS-OU.

• Designed and built by Frank Gallagher, CIMMS-OU.

• Tested Spring, Summer, Fall 2000.

Glidersonde Meteorological Package

• Vaisala RS-80 Based Sensor– Pressure, Temperature, Relative Humidity

• GPS Time, Position, and Aircraft Velocity• One-Second Data Acquisition• Data Stored on Board

– Up to 5 Days with 20 Mb PCMCIA card

• NiMH Batteries for 4-Hour Collection• Simple PC RS-232 Interface• Transmitter Option for Telemetry• Base Cost: $1500

Photo by Wayne Feltz

Field Experiments

• Winter wheat field, April 2000

• June 2000: Research Experiences for Undergraduates -- University of Oklahoma and Clark-Atlanta University

• ARM Water Vapor IOP 2000, Lamont, OK

April, 2000 Wheat Field Study

• Site: Northwest of Kingfisher, OK

• Time: Evening soundings

• Purpose: Capture the early development of the nocturnal boundary layer profile.

©2000 Frank W. Gallagher III

Flight Path CharacteristicsTargeted Observations

Time Series

Nocturnal boundary layer development

June, 2000 Field Study

• Operations just south of the OU Norman, OK campus on the CORCS Club Field.

• Operations commenced at 14:30Z and data were collected until 18:00Z.

• Purpose: Capture the early development of a heated boundary layer during quiescent synoptic conditions.

Dihema Longman and DP-0

REU Results

• Numerous soundings taken Animated

• Strong surface heating and superadiabatic surface layer observed.

• Well-mixed boundary layer developed up to 900mb by the end of the observing period (noon).

• Strong moisture gradient at the top of the mixed layer (6 C).

ARM Water Vapor IOP 2000

• Operations located at the ARM Central Facility.

• Purpose: Supporting water vapor measurements for comparison with the on-site balloon launch, Dial and Raman Lidar data.

• Operations window: 3pm to dusk, minimize background solar radiation/contamination for the lidars.

ARM Water Vapor IOP 2000

• Measurements obtained during four days:– Evening of September 29, 2000, off-site– Evening of September 30, 2000, off-site– Evening of October 2, 2000, on-site– Morning of October 3, 2000, on-site

• Results from each period are compared to the dual balloon launches.

ARM Off-Site Observations• Obstacles: dirt roads, narrow runways, and numerous

hazards

©2000 Frank W. Gallagher III

ARM WV IOP 2000, Off-Site Results

ARM

Dataplane

ARM On-Site Observations• Operations center located 100m northwest of the

balloon trailer in groomed pasture.

©2000 Frank W. Gallagher III

Balloon

ARM WV IOP 2000, On-Site Results

Instrument Check

Photo by Wayne Feltz

ARM Chilled Mirror - Dataplane Dew Point Calibration (C1 and DP1-A4)

-1.5

-1

-0.5

0

0.5

1

1.5

0 1 2 3 4

Calibration time (minutes)

Inst

rum

ent B

ias

(C)

092900 pre

092900 post

093000 pre

093000 post

100200 pre

100200 post

100300 pre

Summary

• Dataplane vertical profiles of moisture and temperature compared favorably to the dual balloon sounding data.

• Limited but useful tool for observing the boundary layer.

• Some biases in temperature exist due to sensor location and will be addressed with the next version.