18 - Optical scintillation methods of measuring atmospheric surface fluxes of heat and momentum

Abstract

This chapter discusses optical scintillation methods of measuring atmospheric surface fluxes of heat and momentum. Optical scintillation has been used to remotely sense many environmental parameters, such as (1) the wind component across the propagation path, (2) rain rates and drop-size distributions, and (3) the refractive-index structure parameter. Recent progress has been made on optical scintillation methods of measuring the inner scale of turbulence. The refractive-index structure parameter is important for quantifying optical scintillation and deriving the fluxes. Optical scintillation methods of measuring the surface fluxes of heat, momentum, and humidity are reviewed in this chapter. Future progress is possible, and directions of future developments are mentioned. Recent progress in measuring inner scale has led to unprecedented accuracy and has resulted in optical scintillation measurements of heat and momentum fluxes, which show great promise for future micrometeorological applications. Currently, there are measurement programmes underway in New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United States. The availability of a commercial scintillometer that measures inner scale and refractive-index structure parameter has encouraged these applications.