Wind and Temperature Structure in a Coniferous Forest and a Contiguous Field

Abstract

Abstract Wind speed was measured at 3 to 7 heights at 5 locations in and above a 10.5-m-tall pine forest and at 4 heights in a nearby field. Temperature was measured at 4 heights in one location within the forest and at 6 heights over the field. Data were collected intermittently over a 5-yearperiod and classified with respect to wind direction relative to the forest edge, wind speed, gustiness, and cloudiness. Data were normalized with respect to reference locations above and outside the forest. Correlation coefficients and regression equations were computed between each locationand selected reference locations. With winds penetrating the forest edge, speeds in the trunk space are greater than those in the canopy for a distance of about 60 m. With a longer fetch through the forest, wind speeds vary little with height to midcanopy. During the day a temperature inversionis found beneath the canopy and a negative lapse rate above. During the night, an isothermal layer or a slight lapse below the canopy and an inversion above are typical. Forest Sci. 17:351-363.