Long-term measurement and characterization of boundary layer optical turbulence

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Optical Physics
• Oceanography

Background:

• Optical turbulence significantly impacts atmospheric and optical sensing systems.
• Characterizing optical turbulence in the near-maritime atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is crucial for understanding wave propagation.
• Previous studies have lacked comprehensive, long-term data for this specific environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a multi-year campaign to characterize optical turbulence in the near-maritime ABL.
• To analyze the physical relationships influencing optical turbulence, specifically focusing on atmospheric and oceanographic parameters.
• To establish a benchmark dataset for evaluating and developing optical turbulence models.

Main Methods:

• Deployed a large-aperture scintillometer for path-averaged measurements of the refractive index structure parameter (Cn2).
• Collected in situ measurements of bulk atmospheric parameters (temperature gradients, relative humidity, wind speed) and oceanographic parameters.
• Conducted measurements continuously from January 2020 to September 2023.

Main Results:

• Presented the most comprehensive dataset of optical turbulence measurements in the near-maritime ABL to date.
• Characterized the impact of temperature gradients, relative humidity, and wind speed on optical turbulence.
• Examined diurnal and seasonal variations in Cn2, comparing them with other environments.

Conclusions:

• The long-term dataset provides valuable insights into optical turbulence dynamics in a near-maritime ABL.
• Established key physical relationships governing optical turbulence in this environment.
• The data and findings are publicly available for further research and model development.