Coherent structures and the k−1 spectral behaviour

Abstract

Here we present unique evidence of a k−1 scaling behaviour in the atmospheric boundary layer and its connection to large scale coherent structures within the boundary layer. Wind lidar measurements were conducted above a lake under cold atmospheric conditions. The large coherent structures could be visually observed over Lake Geneva in Switzerland when cold air met the relatively warm water. Proper orthogonal decomposition of the experimental data acquired with the wind lidar clearly reveals coherent oscillations of both the fluctuating velocity field and the water aerosol field over the surface of the lake. Precise identification of the large coherent structures propagating in the flow allows for detailed analysis of their contribution to the total spectral budget. Additionally, it is shown that the experimental data agree well with recent theoretical predictions.