Structure and growth of atmospheric boundary layer as observed by a tethered balloon payload

312-315Temperature, humidity, pressure, horizontal wind speed and its direction were measured by a tethered balloon (kytoon)-bome payload at the Central Agricultural Meteorological Observatory (CAMO), Pune, during 22 Feb. 1989-2 Mar. 1989 to study the evolution of atmospheric boundary layer and its other properties up to 1000 m. On an average 8-9 kytoon flights per day were arranged. The data collected on the above flights are analysed to study (i) the rise of inversion layer, (ii) transformation of stable boundary layer into thoroughly mixed layer, and (iii) temporal variation of mixing ratio

An overview of the land surface processes experiment (LASPEX) over a semi-arid region of India

To understand and quantify the land-surface-vegetation interaction with the atmospheric boundary layer, and validate or improve upon the existing surface flux parameterization schemes in various weather forecast models, a LAnd Surface Processes EXperiment (LASPEX), was designed and executed in the semi-arid region of Gujarat, India during January 1997-December 1998. Micrometeorological tower observations, soil and vegetation parameters, radiation, turbulence and upper air observations were taken continuously for two years at five sites, separated by about 60-100 km from each other. Towers of 9 m height with instruments at four levels were installed at sites that are agricultural fields and characterized with a variety of soil properties, vegetation and diverse crops. An overview of the experiment is presented. Some results, such as the seasonal variation of surface energy balance and turbulence statistics, are discussed