Modeling optical turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer

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 (C-n(2)) 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 C-n(2) 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.