ISSN:
1573-1472
Keywords:
Solar eclipse
;
Desert boundary layer
;
Turbulent fluxes
;
Surface heat exchange
;
Kelvin–Helmholtz instability
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract Boundary-layer meteorologicalmeasurements were made before, during, and after theMay 10, 1994 partial (94%) solar eclipse over thedesert at the Atmospheric Profiler Research Facilityat White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, U.S.A. A largenumber of sensors were located in the middle of theTularosa Basin to measure mean and turbulentquantities and the refractive index structureparameter (Cn2). This event permitted a rareopportunity to measure, examine, and document theeffects upon the atmospheric boundary layer of asudden cut-off and subsequent turn-on of the sun'sradiant energy. At the peak of the eclipse, whichoccurred for more than three hours, all of the heatexchange parameters were affected, the turbulentprocesses were diminished, and the refractive indexstructure parameter decreased dramatically. A time-heightdisplay from the FM-CW radar shows a Kelvin–Helmholtzwave that developed during theeclipse. The results of several analyses arepresented to document and characterize the eclipse-modifiedboundary layer.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1000219210055
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