Seasonal variability of “atmospheric surface layer characteristics” and “weather pattern” in Qatar

Experimental Facility:

• Sonic Anemometers (CSAT3 Cambell Scientific)
• 3D wind velocity measurement at 20Hz at 2.8, 5.8, and 8.8m from the ground
• Temperature and Humidity probe (HMP45C-L)
• Net Radiometer (NR-LITE-L)
• Weather Station (Davis Vantage Pro2)
• Temperature, relative humidity, dew point, wind velocity, direction, Heat flux, and pressure

• The economy of Qatar depends on oil and gas. It has the third largest natural gas reserve in the world
• About 95% of gas and oil exploration is offshore
• Effect of sea breeze and wind turbulence on coastal weather condition of the Persian gulf region is not well understood. Knowledge of atmospheric surface layer characteristics and coastal weather is essential. Also, the atmospheric observational data in the coastal region is important for validation of different weather prediction and pollution dispersion model.
• Objectives:
• To conduct experiments to characterize nearshore wind, waves and sediment transport in the coastal region of Qatar
• Investigate climate patterns and atmospheric turbulence for,
• designing and operation of coastal/offshore facilities
• pollutant dispersion study
• Wind energy consideration
• To determine the proper wind-wave growth parameterization for near-shore waves
• To identify the linkages between coastal wind and ocean current characteristic     

Seasonal Statistics:

  Al Ghariyah coast (26.08^o N, 51.36^o E)

Wave and Current Measurement:

• High resolution / speed  camera system - for wave and shoreline monitoring
• High resolution wave and shoreline observation
• The Nortexk Aqua-dopp Profiler- 2 MHz
• Measures accurate 3D velocity profile in up to 128 layers of water at 10 Hz
• Uses acoustic Doppler technology
• Small, light weight and easy to operate
• Works equally well in typical ocean surface water and in the high sediment suspensions found near the coast