Investigation of the impact of complex terrain on the structure of planetary boundary layer by vehicle-based wind Lidar

This study investigates the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) dynamics over Taiwan’s complex terrain using vehicle-based Doppler Wind Lidar. The Taichung Basin and Yulin-Chiayi Plain are selected to employ the vehicle-based aerosol and wind lidars to measure the east-to-west cross-section of aerosol and wind of the PBL. The PBL cross-section observed over the Taichung basin and Yulin-Chiayi Plain indicated the significant changes in the PBL structure, including terrain-induced vertical mixing of aerosol, wind shear, and return flow of the local circulation. The results indicate the terrain-induced eddy causes significant convection in the lower boundary layers, promoting vertical mixing.