A variational method for computing surface heat fluxes from ARM surface energy and radiation balance systems

A variational method is developed to compute surface fluxes of sensible and latent heat from observed wind, temperature, humidity, and surface energy and radiation budget by the surface energy and radiation balance systems (SERBS). In comparison with the conventional Bowen ratio energy balance method and profile method, the new method makes better and more complete use of the information provided by the SERBS measurements, and by the surface energy balance equation and the similarity profile equations. Tested with the data collected at the Oklahoma Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Cloud and Radiation Testbed central station, the method is found to be more reliable and accurate than the two conventional methods.