Experimental Design of the 1984 ASCOT Field Study

Abstract During September and October of 1984 the Department of Energy's Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain program conducted an intensive field study in the Brush Creek Valley of western Colorado. The overall objective of the study was to enhance the understanding of pollutant transport and diffusion associated with valley flows. Data collections were designed to investigate nocturnal and morning transition wind, turbulence, and temperature fields in the valley, in its tributaries, and on its side-slopes, and how these are affected by the free stream conditions above the valley. The release and sampling of atmospheric tracers were used to study transport and diffusion. The experimental design of this study is presented.