Specifics of the Near-Surface Turbulence

The equations given in Chap. 2 describe atmospheric turbulence near the surface for ideal conditions such as horizontally homogeneous surfaces free of obstacles, steady-state conditions, and others. Such conditions are rarely found in the nature, since the Earth’s surface is never completely flat and surface properties vary. Furthermore, all processes are not steady-state because of changing cloudiness and the diurnal cycle of irradiation. In this chapter, the properties of a vegetated and heterogeneous surface and its influences on the exchange process are described. Because these effects are substantial, they must be taken into account in all measurements and modelling efforts of atmospheric turbulence.