Exploring Influences of Shallow Topography in Stable Boundary Layers: The SAVANT Field Campaign

Abstract

Abstract Stable boundary layers are still a relatively problematic component of atmospheric modeling, despite their frequent occurrence. While general agreement exists that Monin–Obukhov similarity is not applicable in the stable boundary layer (SBL) due to the nonhomogeneous, nonstationary flow, no universal organizing theory for the surface SBL has been presented. The Stable Atmospheric Variability and Transport (SAVANT) field campaign took place in the fall of 2018 to explore under what conditions shallow drainage flow is generated. The campaign took place in an agricultural setting and covered the period of both pre- and postharvest, allowing for not only a basic exploration of the boundary layer but also a robust dataset for applied agricultural understanding of aerosol dispersion and impacts of changes in surface cover on drainage flows. This article provides a description of the field campaign. Examples of publicly available data products are presented, as well as examples of shallow drainage flow and corresponding lidar measurements of dispersion. Additionally, the field campaign was used to provide educational opportunities for students from several disciplines, and the outcomes of these joint educational ventures are discussed as models for future collaborations.