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Tests of three urban energy balance models

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Abstract

Observations of surface characteristics, meteorological conditions and energy balance components from Vancouver, B.C. are used to test the validity of the output from three one-dimensional surface energy balance models. The results show that whereas all of the models provide good simulations of net radiation, none can consistently predict the turbulent fluxes of sensible and latent heat using easily available input data. Inability to handle the role of water availability and its impact on evapotranspiration is identified as the principal problem.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Atmospheric Science Programme, Department of Geography, The University of British Columbia, V6T 1W5, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

    Sheila Loudon Ross & T. R. Oke

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  1. Sheila Loudon Ross
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  2. T. R. Oke
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Ross, S.L., Oke, T.R. Tests of three urban energy balance models. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 44, 73–96 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00117293

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