On the Relative Errors in Methods of Flux Calculations

Abstract

This paper examines the differences in flux computed from the same profile data using different flux-gradient relationships. It was found that there are significant differences between the flux estimates computed using three well-known sets of flux-gradient relationships. The difference may be 20–40% for unstable stratifications and substantially higher for stable stratifications. It was also found that the errors due to 5% errors in wind speed are of similar magnitude, the errors being especially large for stable stratifications.