Undergrad Estimating Vertical Wind Speeds: T_a, T_s, & P_a

[jones1234]

TL;DR

Calculate vertical wind speed based upon temperature difference

Hi all,

I have some data from an automatic weather station, with recordings of both 2m air temperature and 2m air pressure and also the surface temperature. Is it possible to estimate vertical wind speeds between the AWS and the surface based upon this data? Imagine T_a = 15 degrees and T_s = 30 degrees and P_a = 670 hPa. If not, which other variables do I need?

Thanks.

 

[jrmichler]

It's more complicated than that. I suggest the these search terms to learn more: eddy covariance and Bowen ratio energy balance. These search terms are mostly about evaporation of surface water, and vertical air movement is closely tied to evaporation. A good book on the subject is Evaporation Into the Atmosphere: Theory, History, and Applications, by W. Brutseart (1982). An oldie, but goody, and it's still in print because it is the standard reference in that field: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9027712476/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

 

[jones1234]

It's more complicated than that. I suggest the these search terms to learn more: eddy covariance and Bowen ratio energy balance. These search terms are mostly about evaporation of surface water, and vertical air movement is closely tied to evaporation. A good book on the subject is Evaporation Into the Atmosphere: Theory, History, and Applications, by W. Brutseart (1982). An oldie, but goody, and it's still in print because it is the standard reference in that field: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9027712476/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

Thanks for the answer! I was thinking maybe to calculate the pressure at the surface with the hypsometric equation and then relate the pressure difference to a vertical velocity... is this also possible?