The influence of the wind field and stratification on the nocturnal surface air temperature over modest topography

Abstract

Our study examines the horizontal variation of the nocturnal surface air temperature by analyzing measurements from four contrasting networks of stations with generally modest topography. The horizontal extent of the networks ranges from 1 to 23 km. For each network, we investigate the general relationship of the horizontal variation of temperature to the wind speed, wind direction, near-surface stratification, and turbulence. As an example, the horizontal variation of temperature generally increases with increasing stratification and decreases with increasing wind speed. However, quantitative details vary significantly between the networks. Needed changes of the observational strategy are discussed.