Spatial variations of sensible heat flux over an urban area measured using Doppler lidar

The terrain and morphology of an urban area have a major impact upon the distribution of sensible heat flux and consequently the energy balance of the boundary layer. The spatial distribution of sensible heat flux is difficult to measure, particularly in cities. In this article the potential of a scanning Doppler lidar to make these measurements is explored. The measurements of sensible heat flux are interpreted using a simple trajectory model and an energy balance model. The lidar does seem to offer a practical measurement technique, although the system employed in this study does not have sufficient resolution to provide detailed values over small areas. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society