ISOBAR

Innovative Strategies for Observation in the Arctic Atmospheric Boundary Layer

01.04.2016 bis 31.03.2019

The purpose of the basic research project ISOBAR is to increase our
understanding of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) in the Arctic. In
particular, we aim to study the physical processes governing the turbulent
exchange under stable conditions, which are not well represented in
current Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and climate models, due
to insufficient parameterization schemes for the Stable Boundary Layer
(SBL). Applying new innovative observation strategies, which include
meteorological Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in addition
to well-established ground based and profiling systems, we will provide
data sets on the turbulent structure of the SBL, with unique spatial and
temporal resolution. The project includes the test and characterization
of the RPAS based turbulence sensors through laboratory experiments
and a validation campaign at DWD observatory in Lindenberg. Three
different RPAS systems, the Multipurpose Atmospheric Sensor Carrier
(MASC, for long-range horizontal turbulence measurements), the Small
Unmanned Meteorological Observer (SUMO, for turbulence measurements
and vertical profiles) and the Advanced Mission and Operation Research
(AMOR) multicopter system (for vertical profiles of the Surface Layer and
fixed-location turbulence measurements) will be applied during two four-week
long campaigns. These campaigns will focus on the SBL over homogeneous
sea-ice (Arctic Ocean around Svalbard, winter/spring 2017) and surface
heterogeneities due to partially open water (western fjords of Svalbard,
winter/spring 2018). Collocated and coordinated measurements by a large
number of RPAS (2 MASC, 7 SUMO, 2-4 AMOR) will provide a unique
opportunity to sample the relevant data with so far unreached resolution.
Supported by Single Column Model and Large-Eddy Simulation experiments
we will use the collected data sets to develop new SBL parameterization