Humidity, the Dominating Force of Thermal Updrafts

Abstract

This paper describes the most significant sources of errors and disturbance when measuring temperature and humidity with a glider. Measurement flights have started from different airports in Germany, between April and August of 2018, resulting in a collection of over 90 hours of flight data logs. We show how error correction can be applied to the measurement data. Analysis of the data indicates that core assumptions of the theories of thermals, which have been published for decades cannot be backed up by our measurement data. In contrast we present a revised view of temperature and humidity inside thermals. As a result traditional understanding of temperature distribution and entrainment processes may have to be revised.