Exploring boundary layer flows in complex terrain using Doppler wind lidar and multi-rotor aircraft
In this presentation, I will discuss two technological innovations developed at the University of Virginia for sampling of boundary layer flows over complex terrain. The first innovation is the surface-based mobile observing platform UWOW (University of Virginia Wind Observatory on Wheels), a trailer-mounted lidar system to measure spatial and temporal variations of lower tropospheric winds. UWOW uses a Doppler lidar, a GPS, and an inertial navigation system placed in a custom trailer to measure boundary layer winds while traveling on the road. I will show some recent observations of UWOW supporting the investigation of the spatial and temporal variability of gusty downslope winds (so-called “Sundowners”) in the lee of the Santa Ynez Mountains north of Santa Barbara in California. Comparisons with observations from other platforms and with 1-km numerical simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model will be discussed. The second innovation is the estimation of wind and turbulence using uncrewed multi-rotor aircraft. I will show the development of the methodology at the University of Virginia in the past decade, comparisons with sonic anemometers and Doppler lidar, and the application of the uncrewed aerial aircraft in the sampling of thermally-driven flows during the evening transition period in a small valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Contact Chantal Staquet for more information or to schedule a discussion with the seminar speaker.