The experimental phase of SAFARI-92 in the Kruger National Park took place from September 7 to 26, 1992. Eskom's Environmental Sciences was committed to provide meteorological support during the experimental burns in the Pretoriuskop area of the KNP and to characterize the boundary layer during the field campaign. Surface temperature inversions were found during most nights when vertical soundings were available. The inversion strength was generally ≤3.5¿ with a depth of ≤270 m above ground level (agl). Low-level elevated inversions with a base height of 350 to 500 m agl and a strength of ≤3.6 ¿C were found on four occasions. The base height of the subsidence inversion, when observed, varied between 1500 and 2500 m agl. Significant superadiabatic temperature gradients, impacting directly on the vertical dispersion of pyrogenic products, have been observed to reach as high as several hundred meters above ground level. Vertical profiles of wind speed and direction varied greatly from day to day in response to the changes in the synoptic pattern. However, weak low-level wind maxima just above the surface inversion were observed during most nights, generally with speeds of <10 m s-1. Detailed case studies of boundary layer conditions during the major burns have been included. Since the observations were made during spring it is suggested that the results could be more characteristic of summer conditions. It can be assumed that the inversions will be stronger and the low-level wind maxima more pronounced during winter. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1996 |