Characteristic heat transfer coefficients near the ground at night during strong winds

Abstract

Based on theoretical radiative cooling values and observed temperature changes with time near the surface during the night, the bulk heat transfer coefficient CH is estimated from standard meteorological observations obtained from stations representative of open rural, small town and large urban areas, for nights with clear skies and relatively strong winds. It is shown that CH is smaller than the drag coefficient CM, and that CH/CM over urban areas is smaller than that over open countryside.