Modeling optical turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer

David H. Tofsted; Sean G. O'Brien

doi:10.1117/12.673580

4 May 2006 Modeling optical turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer

David H. Tofsted, Sean G. O'Brien

Proceedings Volume 6239, Targets and Backgrounds XII: Characterization and Representation; 62390G (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.673580
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2006, Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States

Abstract

Continued interest in temporal variations of optical turbulence argues for the development of a model to characterize turbulence conditions for ground-to-ground, ground-to-air, and air-to-ground observation/propagation scenarios. Standard vertical profile models of the refractive index structure parameter (C²_n) are available in segmented form, but are here combined to produce a single mean model of vertical structure for near noon daytime conditions that combines surface layer, boundary layer, and upper tropospheric effects. This model eliminates the discontinuities and ambiguities present in previous results. The temporal evolution of turbulence is also discussed, and several of the challenges to modelling C²_n at a single level and developing temporally evolving vertical profile are addressed. The temporal evolution appears best handled via a surface energy budget model, which when coupled with an evolving profile model would provide greatly improved capabilities for simulating turbulence.

Citation Download Citation

David H. Tofsted and Sean G. O'Brien "Modeling optical turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer", Proc. SPIE 6239, Targets and Backgrounds XII: Characterization and Representation, 62390G (4 May 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.673580

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available