mikrometeorologian

Mikrometeorologian, or micrometeorology, is a branch of meteorology that studies atmospheric processes at small spatial scales, with a focus on exchanges of energy, mass and momentum between surfaces and the lower atmosphere. It investigates turbulence, heat and moisture transport, and the surface energy balance within the atmospheric boundary layer, typically over scales from centimeters to a few kilometers and from seconds to hours.

Core topics include turbulent fluxes of heat, water vapor and trace gases such as carbon dioxide, evapotranspiration, and the influence of surface characteristics—vegetation, soil moisture, roughness, and urban canopies—on wind, temperature and humidity profiles. The findings inform understanding of microclimates, crop and forest productivity, and urban heat islands, and they help improve weather and climate models through better surface–atmosphere coupling.

Methods and tools: micrometeorology relies on direct turbulent flux measurements, most commonly the eddy covariance method using fast-response wind and scalar sensors. Other approaches include gradient methods, the Bowen ratio method, and surface renewal. Instrumentation often comprises sonic anemometers, fast CO2 and water-vapor analyzers, thermometers and radiation sensors, deployed on flux towers or urban monitoring networks. Theoretical foundations include Monin–Obukhov similarity theory to describe the surface layer, with attention to footprint and stability effects. Remote sensing can complement tower measurements.

Applications span climate research, agriculture, forestry, hydrology and urban planning, providing essential data for carbon budgeting, water-use efficiency, air quality assessments and microclimate design.