Abstract
Constant volume balloon (tetroon) flights within the planetary boundary layer provide evidence for the existence of alternating, horizontal roll vortices with axes in the general direction of the mean flow. The dimensions of these vortices are a function of stability. A study of the energetics of the vortices suggests that the kinetic energy flux from mean sheared flow to vortex averages about 4 cm2 sec−3 whereas the kinetic energy flux from vortex to turbulent eddies averages about 21 cm2 sec−3. This implies that the vortices derive the bulk of their energy from buoyancy effects. The mean sheared flow appears not to provide any energy to the vortex which (with the assumption that the vortices are at an angle to the mean flow) is rotating in opposition to the shear of the mean flow.
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