Contact: Al Bedard FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Barbara McGehan 2/3/97
Weather researchers in Boulder, Colo., will be monitoring and analyzing air turbulence near Colorado Springs to learn more about the phenomenon in mountainous areas and how to develop better turbulence detection and warning systems to aid in aircraft safety. The field study began Feb. 1 and will continue through the end of March.
The Federal Aviation Administration asked the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Center for Atmospheric Research to do the study in response to the more than ten major aircraft accidents and incidents that have occurred in mountainous areas during the past ten years, especially the crash of a United 737 flight in Colorado Springs in March 1991 in which all aboard were killed.
Although turbulence has not been identified as the cause of the Colorado Springs crash, FAA authorities have asked that researchers from NOAA's Environmental Technology Laboratory (ETL) and Forecast Systems Laboratory, and NCAR's Research Applications Program, all located in Boulder, Colo., study the phenomenon. The FAA is funding this field study as part of an effort to reduce mountain flying risks.
The scientists will be using a variety of instruments to measure winds and terrain-induced turbulence in the Colorado Springs area. An ETL Doppler lidar will provide radial wind speeds to distances of over 12 miles. Due to its narrow, pencil-like beam, the lidar is able to scan in the vicinity of mountains without ground clutter problems. It can also scan along approach paths with minimum effects from aircraft.
"The unique remote sensing capabilities of the lidar allow us to measure the wind in clear air very close to mountains and enables us to analyze the complex, three-dimensional winds near Colorado Springs," said ETL meteorologist Bob Banta.
Also, four wind profilers (Doppler radars that are pointed vertically) will be placed in the Colorado Springs area to continuously measure winds and temperatures above the ground under most weather conditions.
According to meteorologist Marty Ralph of ETL, "This continuous record of winds, temperatures and turbulence above the airport and at other sites will help reveal both the conditions that lead to turbulence, and the turbulence itself."
Automated weather stations will look at the surface airflow and will assist researchers in determining under what conditions surface information can be used to infer the existence of hazardous conditions. These systems represent the basic measurement core of the experiment.
In addition, a new infrasonic observing system, previously used to detect tornadoes, will be used to listen to low-frequency sounds that may be associated with severe wind events. ETL vans using new static pressure probes will make observations throughout the areas scanned by the Doppler radar. Under the direction of NCAR scientists, the University of Wisconsin's Kingair, based in Laramie, Wyo., will be making explicit turbulence measurements along the approach and departure corridors of Colorado Springs, as well as mapping the distribution of turbulence in the terminal area.
The Forecast Systems Laboratory will be providing weather forecasting support for the field experiment and will provide daily weather briefings at its forecast center in Boulder. Three types of forecasts will be provided: a long-range outlook for 24-48 hours for planning purposes, a daily 24-hour forecast, and shorter term forecast updates as requested by project personnel. The forecasts will be critical for guiding daily operations and fine tuning decisions about remote sensing strategies.
"The hope is that we will improve our understanding of the nature and causes of low-level turbulence and will be able to contribute this information to improving mountain flying safety by developing and designing new detection and warning systems," said NOAA researcher Al Bedard.
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NOTE: For more information on NOAA's Environmental Research Labs, check out the ERL web site at http://www.erl.noaa.gov . To view the NOAA public affairs page the address is www.noaa.gov/public-affairs
NOTE: For more information on NCAR's participation in the project or to photograph or film the research aircraft, please contact Anatta at 303-497-8604.
A NOAA/NCAR Media Day will take place later in February. A media advisory outlining the details will be issued at that time.