Computing Refractive Index Structure Parameter Cn2 in a Numerical Weather Prediction Model
Abstract
The refractive index structure parameter Cn2 provides crucial information regarding turbulent effects on electromagnetic wave propagation. We propose to use second‐order turbulence closure techniques to predict Cn2 based on boundary layer parameterizations in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. This predictive approach provides additional degrees of freedom for improving Cn2 simulations. The model is evaluated using a single‐column version of Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System in a case study of convective boundary layer over the ocean. The predicted Cn2 is generally consistent with results from large‐eddy simulations, well‐known scaling theories, and limited surface layer observations. This study offers a general approach for computing Cn2 for the entire boundary layer and various turbulence regimes in an NWP model.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1029/2020gl089168
Entities
People
- Benjamin J. Wauer
- Qing Wang
- Qingfang Jiang
- Shouping Wang
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Naval Research Laboratory