Stable atmospheric boundary-layer experiment in Spain (SABLES 98): A report

This paper describes the Stable Atmospheric Boundary Layer Experiment in Sp ain (SABLES 98), which took place over the northern Spanish plateau compris ing relatively flat grassland, in September 1998. The main objectives of th e campaign were to study the properties of the mid-latitude stable boundary layer (SBL). Instrumentation deployed on two meteorological masts (of heig hts 10 m and 100 m) included five sonic anemometers, 15 thermocouples, five cup anemometers and three propeller anemometers, humidity sensors and radi ometers. A Sensitron mini-sodar and a tethered balloon were also operated c ontinuously. A triangular array of cup anemometers was installed to allow t he detection of wave events. Two nocturnal periods analysed on 14-15 and 20 -21 September are used to illustrate the wide-ranging characteristics of th e SBL.