- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Laboratory for Fluid Physics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity, (venecia.chavezmedina@ds.mpg.de)
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and tethered balloon systems (TBS) are transforming atmospheric research by enabling high-resolution, multi-instrument observations. To address long-standing gaps in planetary boundary layer (PBL) observations, particularly in the mixed layer and entrainment zone, we employed the Max Planck CloudKite, a tethered kite-balloon hybrid system, equipped with the latest generation of WinDarts. These versatile instruments provide continuous multi-parameter measurements of PBL dynamics for up to 20 hours. Each WinDart measures three-dimensional wind velocity, temperature, relative humidity, pressure, particle concentration (0.3–40 μm), carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, offering unparalleled insights into PBL processes.
During the Pallas Cloud Experiment (September 2022) and the IMPACT campaign ("In-situ Measurement of Particles, Atmosphere, Cloud and Turbulence," May–June 2024) in Pallas, Finland, we deployed successive generations of WinDarts, achieving a cumulative flight time of nearly 370 hours. These campaigns yielded high-resolution datasets capturing turbulent fluxes of heat and momentum and interactions between the PBL and the free atmosphere.
This contribution presents findings from the IMPACT campaign, focusing on velocity-temperature interactions and their role in turbulence and vertical transport. The results demonstrate the value of TBS-based platforms in complementing UAS systems for atmospheric research and advancing our understanding of PBL processes.
To the left, the image shows two kite-balloons deployed with three WinDarts during a flight as part of the IMPACT field campaign. To the right, we show a lateral visualization of a WinDart highlighting its different components.
How to cite: Chávez-Medina, V., Khodamoradi, H., Bodenschatz, E., and Bagheri, G.: Max PlanckWinDarts: High-resolution measurements in the planteray boundarylayer with a tethered balloon, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-13819, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-13819, 2025.