Dynamics of the atmospheric boundary layer at Ny-Alesund, Arctic

During the spring of 1998 a detailed field study of the atmospheric boundary layer in the fjord region of Ny-Alesund in the Svalbard islands was carried out to study the influence of the clouds and Arctic haze on the boundary layer structure and dynamics. Wind velocity profiles obtained with a high temporal and spatial resolution are used to study the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) structure. These measurements were started as part of the European Commission program ARTIST (Arctic Radiation and Turbulence Interaction Study). It was then decided to extend the measurement period up to the fall to study the PBL seasonal variability. The wind speed behaviour as function of height as well some aspects of the boundary layer thermal structure as observed through a Doppler sodar are shown in this paper and compared with the flow pattern and the characteristics of the area.