Atmospheric Boundary Layer Flows: Their Structure and Measurement

by J. C. Kaimal, J. J. Finnigan

Overview

Boundary layer meteorology is the study of the physical processes that take place in the layer of air that is most influenced by the earth's underlying surface. This text/reference gives an uncomplicated view of the structure of the boundary layer, the instruments available for measuring its mean and turbulent properties, how best to make the measurements, and ways to process and analyze the data. The main applications of the book are in atmospheric modelling, wind engineering, air pollution, and agricultural meteorology. The authors have pioneered research on atmospheric turbulence and flow, and are noted for their contributions to the study of the boundary layer. This important work will interest atmospheric scientists, meteorologists, and students and faculty in these fields.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195062397
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/06/1994
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	9.52(w) x 6.50(h) x 0.87(d)

Table of Contents

1. Flow over Flat Uniform Terrain2. Spectra and Cospectra over Flat Uniform Terrain3. Flow over Plant Canopies4. Flow over Changing Terrain5. Flow over Hills6. Sensors and Techniques for Observing the Boundary Layer7. Acquisition and Processing of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Data

Editorial Reviews

"Kaimal has an impressive background in measuring the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL)....Finnigan also brings a wealth of experience in measuring atmospheric boundary-layer flow....A practically oriented book with the experimentalist in mind. It is well written and gives a valuable overview of the structure of the ABL. Its major strengths are its depth of coverage of flow over canopies, over changing terrain and over hills, and the helpful advice in experimental design and data processing. I highly recommend it..." —Australian Meteorological Magazine

"Kaimal and Finnigan present a thorough discussion of both the measurement and mathematical description of the atmosphere's lowest layers. They cover instrumental response time needed for meaningful data particularly well....Should encourage new interest among upper-division undergraduates, for whom this book is recommended." —Choice

"Provides the reader with a good basic knowledge of the structure of simple to somewhat complex boundary layers, from an analytical and observational point of view. The book discusses its subject clearly and presents the field of boundary layer meteorology as an active endeavor, with many questions left to answer and many datasets yet uncollected....The reader is provided with many of the tools needed to tackle the papers describing these exciting efforts....A useful reference for anyone dealing with boundary layer problems." —Bulletin of the American Meteorological Association

"This is a significant new book which describes under one cover the basic flow structures observed in the atmospheric boundary layer over land and the sensors and measurement and analysis techniques that are available for studying them. Both authors are experienced boundary-layer researchers who have contributed generously to our current understanding of the atmospheric boundary layer." —Pure and Applied Geophysics

"I found the book thought-provoking. It is attractively produced, well phrased and clear in detail. Symbol lists are given after each chapter, as well as at the end of the book. Diagrams and indexing are good, and the book seems to have been carefully read in proof." —Quarterly Journal of the RMS

"This book provides a clear, broad overview of the subject, with an emphasis on empirical and experimental aspects. . . .The analysis of ABL data is not trivial, and a comprehensive discussion of the topic is very valuable. . . .The approach adopted by Kaimal and Finnigan is very accessible and should act as a useful introduction to many topics within ABL research. Because of its breadth of practical descriptions and guidance for ABL researchers, this book is a valuable addition." —Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics

From the Publisher