Long Term Studies of the Refractive Index Structure Parameter in the Troposphere and Stratosphere
Abstract
This project studied the relation of meteorological conditions to parameters and processes that influence the optical propagation properties establishment of a climatology of refractive index structure function parameter as measured with a network of doppler radars. The relation of the atmospheric turbulence profile to the synoptic context and physical models to predict the profile using standard meteorological profile data was also being investigated. The study features two modes of data archiving: (1) continuous archiving of 1 hr average wind profiles and turbulence levels, and (2) high time resolution measurements in association with other measurements (ground-based optical scintillometers, aircraft or radiosondes). The atmospheric turbulence profiles and resultant optical propagation parameters have been found to be strongly influenced by synoptic conditions. In particular, the turbulence was substantially affected by to strength and location of the jetstream. A very strong correlation between wind shear (which was maximum above and below the core of the jet) and pilot reports of turbulence was found. Richardson number gave a much weaker indication, possibly because of the poorer quality of the vertical temperature gradient data. A study of the ratio of temperature to velocity microturbulence showed that the assumption of a constant mixing efficiency (used in the Van Zandt model) may not be valid for very weak turbulence. (jhd)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA198313
Entities
People
- Christopher W. Fairall
- D. W. Thomson
- W. J. Syrett
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University