Estimation of the refractive-index temperature structure parameter over the ocean.

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric science
• Fluid dynamics
• Micrometeorology

Background:

• The refractive-index temperature structure parameter, C(T)(2), is vital for characterizing atmospheric turbulence.
• Accurate estimation of C(T)(2) is challenging, especially in the marine atmospheric boundary layer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate equations for estimating C(T)(2) above the sea.
• To relate C(T)(2) to easily measurable meteorological variables.

Main Methods:

• Combined the semiempirical equation of Wyngaard, Izumi, and Collins with bulk aerodynamic formulas.
• Developed equations linking C(T)(2) to average wind speed, air-sea temperature differences, and moisture differences.

Main Results:

• Provided equations for estimating C(T)(2) in the marine atmospheric boundary layer.
• Demonstrated that the developed equations relate C(T)(2) to readily available measurements.

Conclusions:

• The developed estimation equations for C(T)(2) are satisfactory for the marine boundary layer.
• The findings facilitate better characterization of atmospheric turbulence over the ocean.