The
eddy covariance (also known as
eddy correlation and
eddy flux) technique is a key atmospheric measurement technique to measure and calculate vertical turbulent fluxes within
atmospheric boundary layers. The method analyzes high-frequency
wind and
scalar atmospheric data series, and yields values of
fluxes of these properties. It is a
statistical method used in
meteorology and other applications (micrometeorology, oceanography, hydrology, agricultural sciences, industrial and regulatory applications, etc.) to determine exchange rates of trace gases over natural ecosystems and agricultural fields, and to quantify gas emissions rates from other land and water areas. It is frequently used to estimate
momentum,
heat, water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane fluxes