Horizontal distribution of temperature in a building-block using a Mobile Cart for Meteorological Observation (MCMO)

Horizontal distribution of building block scale meteorological information is important to understand the disastrous weather phenomena occurred at urban areas. Most meteorological models assume the same surface temperature, or an ideal surface temperature to simulate the high-resolution wind field in or above urban boundary-layer. This study aims to establish the basic foundation for producing the high-resolution and high-quality user-specific horizontal meteorological information at an urban building block in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. Therefore, the Mobile Cart for Meteorological Observation (MCMO) was developed and used in a meteorological experimental campaign during heat wave event days.
The MCMO includes 3 air temperature sensors, 1 weather transmitter, 1 infrared surface temperature sensor, 1 GPS (global positioning system), and video camera on the mobile cart. The MCMO measures the temperature at 4 altitudes (surface, 0.5m, 1.5m, and 2.5m), latitude, longitude, and surrounding environment condition of measurement site. The observation cycle is 1 second to produce pedestrian-friendly weather information. The meteorological experimental campaign was conducted in Gwanghwamun square in the Seoul, Korea. Gwanghwamun square is complex area which has high-rise building block, wide roads of heavy traffic, and green lung. Observation period was from 1200 LST 5 August 2019 to 2200 LST 6 August 2019 including the hottest day of the year. Through the meteorological experimental campaign, the MCMO shows the detail temperature change over time, location, and altitudes. The temperature was changed as the altitude of the sun changed. When the MCMO was move through the green lung or building block, also the temperature was changed. Temperature changes were the largest at surface temperature and tended to decrease as altitude increased. The MCMO can be used to understand high-resolution weather information and horizontal distribution of temperature in urban area. Additionally, another meteorological experimental campaign will be held in the summer of 2020.