Quantifying Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Environment Using Measurements From A Small Buoy
Abstract
This thesis work is part of a major research effort, the Coupled Air Sea Processes and Electromagnetic (EM) ducting Research (CASPER), to understand air-sea interaction processes and their representation in prediction models in order to quantify abnormal propagations of EM signals through the atmosphere. This thesis work focuses on the evaluation of the measurements from a small buoy, the Marine Air-Sea Flux (MASFlux) buoy, for obtaining evaporation duct properties. MASFlux was deployed during CASPER-Pilot and CASPER-East field campaigns and was analyzed. This thesis demonstrated the measurement capability of MASFlux in revealing the near-surface gradient in scalars and wind together with atmospheric turbulence and surface waves in minimally disturbed marine environment. The use of the MASFlux measurements as input to a Monin-Obukhov Similarity Theory (MOST) evaporation duct model, such as the modified Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) model, was systematically evaluated using both CASPER-Pilot and East datasets. Finally, the value of MASFlux measurements to reveal the near surface vertical profiles is demonstrated by employing data from multiple research platforms that provided concurrent/co-located data at different altitudes. This increased resolution at the air-sea interface provides greater accuracy for determining evaporation duct profiles, which is vital for producing accurate EM propagation models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1046558
Entities
People
- Andrew E. Sweeney
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School