Fast Facts
FESSTVaL (Field Experiment on submesoscale spatio-temporal variability in Lindenberg) is a measurement campaign initiated by the Hans-Ertel-Center for Weather Research (HErZ). It took place in the summer months of the year 2021 at the Meteorological Observatory Lindenberg - Richard-Aßmann-Observatorium (MOL-RAO) of the German Weatherservice (DWD) near Berlin. To identify the sources of sub-mesoscale variability, the measurement campaign focused on three main aspects: atmospheric boundary layer structures, cold pools, and gusts of wind.
In order to capture phenomena at the submesoscale (500 m – 5 km), a hierarchical measurement strategy was realized. This included wind profiling stations with a coordinated scanning strategy of several Doppler Lidars, two mobile profiler to measure thermodynamic properties of the atmosphere and precipitation, more than 100 stations with near-surface measurements of air temperature and pressure, more than 20 automatic weather stations, an X-Band radar, and a number of energy balance stations. This equipment was supplemented by the extensive ground-based remote sensing array at the MOL-RAO. Complementing to this, the added value of a citizen-science measurement network was investigated during the campaign with “Internet-of-things” based technology and low-cost sensors build and maintained by citizens. The FESSTVaL measurements were complemented by high-resolution large-eddy simulations (ICON-LES) comprising the site.
Update
FESSTVaL Report
Juli 2023:
The internal final report for the Hans-Ertel-Centre provides a comprehensive overview on all activities and measurement results of the FESSTVaL campaign.
Data
May 2022:
Interested in the FESSVaL data? You can now find plenty of recently uploaded data sets in the SAMD-archive! -> FESSTVaL Kampagnen : Integrated Climate Data Center : Universität Hamburg (uni-hamburg.de)
February 2022:
We are currently working on the evaluation of the field experiment. You will in short be able to find our data sets at the SAMD-Archive of the CEN Integrated Climate Data Center: FESSTVaL Campaigns : ICDC : Universität Hamburg (uni-hamburg.de).
Experiment finalized
October 2021:
The measurement campaign was successfully carried out from May 17 to August 27, with the Intensive Observation Period taking place from June 5 to July 5. We draw a positive conclusion from the campaign and are pleased about a large number of observed phenomena and extensive data sets on all thematic focal points (cold pools, wind gusts, convective structures). Now, the observation data will be scientifically controlled and evaluated by all partners involved.
Launch of the experiment
May 2021:
We are pleased that the setup of the measurement experiment has started. In the coming weeks we will inform you here on the website, in the form of a blog and daily quick looks, about the current events.
In addition, every Monday at 5 p.m. there is a lecture that deals with a variety of topics from the research area. This is open to anyone interested.
FESSTVaL 2021
January 2021:
The FESSTVaL experiment will take place in summer 2021, postponed by one year. From May 17th to July 31st the measurements will be carried out at the MOL-RAO in Lindenberg (Mark) and in the vicinity. The intensive measurement period (IOP) runs from June 7th to July 2nd.
The summer school associated with the campaign has a special format: accompanying the measurements, small groups of students will take part on site, while a series of lectures will take place throughout the period.
Campaign postponed
May 7 2020:
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FESSTVaL measurement experiment cannot take place in summer 2020 as planned. It will be postponed to the coming year and supported by preparatory measurements "at home". More information on this on the corresponding webpages in the menu above FESST@home 2020.