A Simple Parameterisation for Flux Footprint Predictions

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Presentation @ EGU 2004
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: The footprint figures are not adjusted after changing the input data. Why?
It seems that if you are using a prehistoric version of internet browser (like myself), the figures are not refreshed automatically, even though the numbers are. If you do not have access to a newer version and do need the figures, you need to return to "home" and start again with the value input, every time you have new values. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Q: I get the same footprint estimate, no matter what input data. Does this calculation work at all?
Well, maybe you should have a look at the article of Kljun et al. (2004) ;-) If you check out the formulae of the scaling procedure you will see that the scaled footprint (F* = f(X*)) depends on the ratio of σw/u*. Thus, if you calculate footprint estimates for the same site (same measurement height, same roughness length) for varying stability conditions, you'll only get a different footprint estimate if this ratio varies.

Q: Is it possible to get a more accurate version of this footprint parameterisation?
Sure. The online footprint parameterisation is based on nearly 100 simulations using LPDM-B (see Kljun et al., 2002, for a description of the model) covering scenarios representing a broad range of stability conditions from strongly stable to strongly convective, receptor heights from close to the ground to far into the boundary layer, and roughness lengths representing grasslands to forest canopies. For a more specific prediction, the parameterisation can simply be fitted to selected scaled footprint estimates (i.e. taking into account the receptor height and/or the roughness length of a specific experimental site). Please contact me if you are interested in such a specific parameterisation.