Subsurface Lateral Heat Flux within the Heterogeneous Surface of a Subtropical Wetland and Its Potential Contribution to Energy Imbalance

Abstract

AbstractIn the eddy covariance technique, lateral heat fluxes in the atmosphere, surfaces, and subsurfaces are often ignored under the assumption of a homogeneous surface. Among lateral heat fluxes, the surface and subsurface fluxes, which might affect the surface energy balance closure over a heterogeneous surface, are less studied. Many wetlands are heterogeneous, with a mix of vegetated areas and shallow open water. This study examined the subsurface lateral heat fluxes between a reed bed and the adjacent water of a subtropical wetland in Hong Kong, China. An array of temperature and water-level sensors was installed in the soil of the reed bed and in the adjacent water. An eddy covariance system was also set up on the reed bed. The subsurface lateral heat fluxes were largest close to the interface of the reed bed and water and decreased as the distance from the interface increased, as expected. However, the subsurface lateral heat fluxes could not account for the energy imbalance because their magnitudes were relatively small and fluctuated in phase with the energy budget residuals during the winter months. The uncertainties of the turbulent fluxes and the lateral heat fluxes were estimated to be 10%–20% and 10%–30%, respectively. This study explored another potential reason behind the energy imbalance of the eddy covariance technique. The results enhance the understanding of water and energy exchanges between a terrestrial biotope and the surrounding water, which might further generate insights into the biochemical processes in wetlands.