Prediction model of atmospheric refractive index structure parameter in coastal area

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on the prediction of atmospheric refractive index structure parameter ($C_n^2$) in coastal area using the routine meteorological parameters. Based on the micrometeorology, macrometeorology and Monin–Obukhov similarity theory, three modified prediction models of $C_n^2$ are presented in combination with the long-term observation data of $C_n^2$ and meteorological parameters in coastal city, respectively. For different weather, the applicable cases of three $C_n^2$ prediction models are comparatively analysed and their applicable effects are comprehensively evaluated. The results indicate that the modified micrometeorology model of $C_n^2$ shows better applicability for overcast sky, the offshore macrometeorology model of $C_n^2$ displays better predictability for sunny day and the offshore Thiermann model provides better availability for overcast sky, cloudy day, overcast to sunny or sunny to overcast day.

Keywords:

• atmospheric turbulence
• atmospheric refractive index structure parameter
• meteorological parameters
• coastal area

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Innovation Fund of Naval Aeronautical and Astronautical University and by the Special Foundation Project of Taishan Scholar of Shandong Province, China.

Notes

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.