STAR Iqaluit SODAR Data

An acoustic Doppler Sound Detection and Ranging (SODAR) system (Remtech PA1-NT) was also used to assess the three component winds between 0 – 1.2 km AGL with a 30 m vertical resolution every 30 minutes. The SODAR had a horizontal wind speed range of 30 m/s with an accuracy of 0.2 m/s and a 3° horizontal direction accuracy for winds faster than 2 m/s/. Its vertical speed range was -4 to +4 m/s, with and accuracy of 5 cm/s or better.

The SODAR was only operational during the fall field campaign. SODAR data was recorded to daily data files in a *.dat format. The SODAR data was recorded to a PC located in the AWS building near the instrument. Data files were backed up daily by STAR personal. Original files were kept on the SODAR PC during the project, while back-up files were saved to the STAR PC located in the Iqaluit Weather Office building. There were intervals were data was not collected because the GPA window was accidentally closed, or the system needed to be rebooted. Rebooted: 19:30 Nov 14, Rebooted: 18:45 Nov 15 (UTC date = 319).

During the field project, snowfall accumulation on the SODAR was a major concern with respect to data quality. Regular checks and maintenance were conducted on the instruments during this research project to maximize data quality. Refer to the STAR data report for reference to the SODAR field notes.

The purpose of the SODAR Measurements were to provide: (1) Wind profile measurements over the STAR study area; (2) Boundary layer evolution measurements; (3) validation and parameterization data for improvements of the GEM-LAM; and (4) Comparison data for upper air soundings, and aircraft measurements to assess accuracy of atmospheric wind profile measurements.