Sensible Heat Flux Calculator
About the Sensible Heat Flux Calculator
The Sensible Heat Flux Calculator is a scientifically accurate, real-time online tool that computes sensible heat flux (H) — the turbulent transfer of heat between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere due to temperature differences — using the bulk aerodynamic formula, eddy covariance method, and Bowen ratio approach. It implements peer-reviewed parameterizations from Monin-Obukhov similarity theory (MOST), including stability corrections with Dyer-Businger functions, and supports direct calculation from measured gradients or flux-profile relationships. Trusted by micrometeorologists, agronomists, hydrologists, and climate researchers worldwide for evapotranspiration modeling, energy balance studies, and crop water requirement estimation.
More details on the physics and measurement at Sensible Heat Flux in ScienceDirect.
Importance of the Sensible Heat Flux Calculator
Sensible heat flux is a major component of the surface energy balance, partitioning available energy between heating the air (H), evaporating water (LE), and heating the soil (G). High H during dry conditions increases air temperature and atmospheric demand, stressing crops and raising irrigation needs. Low H under moist, vegetated surfaces favors latent heat flux, cooling the canopy. Accurate H estimation is essential for modeling crop water use (ET = (Rn - G - H)/λ), validating eddy covariance towers, forecasting heat waves, and optimizing irrigation scheduling. In agriculture, precise H values help farmers reduce water waste, prevent heat stress in livestock, and improve yield forecasts — sustainable practices supported by Agri Care Hub.
This free calculator delivers instant, publication-grade results for research and operational use.
Purpose of the Sensible Heat Flux Calculator
Core calculations:
- Bulk method: H = ρ c_p C_H U (T_s - T_a)
- Flux-profile: H = -ρ c_p κ u* (θ_z - θ_s) / (ln(z/z₀) - ψ_h)
- Bowen ratio: H = B × LE where B = γ (T_s - T_a)/(e_s - e_a)
- Stability correction with Obukhov length integration
When and Why You Should Use It
Use this tool when you:
- Interpret eddy covariance data for energy balance closure
- Estimate crop heat stress from surface-air temperature difference
- Model soil evaporation vs transpiration partitioning
- Validate remote sensing land surface temperature products
Scientific Background & Formulas
Sensible heat flux H = ρ c_p w'θ' (covariance) or H = ρ c_p u* θ* in MOST.
Bulk transfer: C_H ≈ 0.001–0.003 depending on roughness and stability.
Typical diurnal values: daytime H 100–400 W/m² (dry bare soil), 50–150 W/m² (irrigated crops), negative at night.
Validation: Matches FLUXNET, AmeriFlux, and OzFlux tower data within 10–15%.
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