Forecasting optical turbulence strength on the basis of macroscale meteorology and aerosols: models and validation

Dan Sadot; Norman S. Kopeika

doi:10.1117/12.56059

1 February 1992 Forecasting optical turbulence strength on the basis of macroscale meteorology and aerosols: models and validation

Dan Sadot, Norman S. Kopeika

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 31, Issue 2, (February 1992). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.56059

Abstract

Although optical turbulence is usually modeled with micrometeorology, it is shown here that this can be done successfully too with macrometeorology using meteorological parameters measured with standard weather stations and predicted in standard weather forecasts. This makes it possible to predict C²n according to weather forecast. Two experimentally derived models are developed-one for practical use and the other for scientific understanding. Correlation of prediction with measurement is on the order of 90% or more, over large dynamic ranges of meteorological parameters. One interesting aspect of these measurements is the statistical evidence that scintillations are affected by aerosols, particularly under conditions of high total aerosol cross-sectional area. Various explanations for effects of aerosols on C²n and its measurement are suggested. In addition, validity of the models was examined, and experimental comparisons in two very different climates and surface conditions are presented. High correlation is found in both cases between prediction and measurement.

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Dan Sadot and Norman S. Kopeika "Forecasting optical turbulence strength on the basis of macroscale meteorology and aerosols: models and validation," Optical Engineering 31(2), (1 February 1992). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.56059

Published: 1 February 1992

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