Comparison of methods for estimating atmospheric optical turbulence profiles in Chengdu

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-6141.2025.06.002

Abstract

Abstract: The atmospheric optical turbulence profile is not only a representation of the vertical distribution of atmospheric optical turbulence intensity, but also an important indicator of the evolution of ambient air quality. Based on the radar sounding data of Wenjiang District, Chengdu City, China, in February 2020, the atmospheric optical turbulence profiles in the middle and lower troposphere (< 5 km) are estimated in this work by using Coulman outer scale model, Thorpe scale method and Hufnagel-Vally 5/7 model respectively, and the applicability of the different methods for estimating atmospheric optical turbulence profiles is discussed. The results show that: (1) The atmospheric optical turbulence profile estimated by Coulman outer scale model is basically consistent with that measured by L-band wind profiler radar, with a correlation coefficient of 0.70. (2) The correlation coefficient between the estimated results of Thorpe scale method and the measured results is 0.60, and the two results show good consistency below 4 km height, and the magnitude deviation in the 4–5 km height range. (3) The estimated results of Hufnagel-Vally 5/7 model can not accurately reflect the changing characteristics of the real atmospheric optical turbulence profile, with a correlation coefficient of 0.15. In summary, the Coulman outer-scale model based on Tatarski parameterization method has achieved the optimal estimation results in the district, which provides a methodological support for the estimation of atmospheric optical turbulence profiles in Chengdu and other regions with similar underlying surface.

Key words: atmospheric optical turbulence profile, wind profile radar, estimation method, optimization; Chengdu region

CLC Number:

P427.1

ZHANG Meng , NI Changjian , . Comparison of methods for estimating atmospheric optical turbulence profiles in Chengdu[J]. Journal of Atmospheric and Environmental Optics, 2025, 20(6): 703-712.

References

[1] Kornilov, V., et al., Combined MASS–DIMM instruments for atmospheric turbulence studies. 2007. 382(3): p. 1268-1278.
[2] Tatarski, V.I., Wave propagation in a turbulent medium. 2016: Courier Dover Publications.
[3] Ishihara, M., et al., Characteristics and performance of the operational wind profiler network of the Japan Meteorological Agency. 2006. 84(6): p. 1085-1096.
[4] Schlatter, T.,F.J.N.F.S.L. Zbar, Wind profiler assessment report and recommendations for future use. 1994. 15.
[5] Liu, L., et al., Optical turbulence profiling with single star SCIDAR technique. 2013. 58(36): p. 4566-4570.
[6] Coulman, C., et al., Outer scale of turbulence appropriate to modeling refractive-index structure profiles. 1988. 27(1): p. 155-160.
[7] Dewan, E.M., A Model for C2n (optical turbulence) profiles using radiosonde data. 1993: Directorate of Geophysics, Air Force Materiel Command.
[8] Trinquet, H.,J.J.P.o.t.A.S.o.t.P. Vernin, A model to forecast seeing and estimate C2N profiles from meteorological data. 2006. 118(843): p. 756.
[9] 蔡俊, 李学彬, 武鹏飞,等. 利用Tatarski方案估算不同环境下的光学湍流廓线[J]. 红外与激光工程, 2018, 047(011):274-280.
Cai Jun, Li Xuebin, Wu Pengfei, Wu Xiaoqing. Estimation of atmospheric optical turbulence profiles in different environments based on Tatarski parameterization scheme[J]. Infrared and Laser Engineering, 2018, 47(11): 1111002-1111002(7). doi: 10.3788/IRLA201847.1111002
[10] 胡晓丹, 苏昶东, 罗涛,等. Thorpe尺度估算库尔勒、茂名、拉萨大气光学湍流廓线[J]. 强激光与粒子束, 2019, 31(8):6.
Hu Xiaodan, Su Changdong, Luo Tao, et al. Estimating the profiles of atmospheric turbulence above Korla, Maoming, Lhasa by Thorpe scale[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams, 2019, 31: 081002. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB201931.190074
[11] Miller, M.,P. Zieske, Turbulence environment characterization. 1979, AVCO EVERETT RESEARCH LAB INC EVERETT MA.
[12] Jumper, G.,R. Beland. Progress in the understanding and modeling of atmospheric optical turbulence. in 31st Plasmadynamics and Lasers Conference. 2000.
[13] Beland, R.R.,J.H.J.P.S. Brown, A deterministic temperature model for stratospheric optical turbulence. 1988. 37(3): p. 419.
[14] 吴晓庆, 方强, 饶瑞中. 近海边高空光学湍流的探空测量与模式比较[J]. 强激光与粒子束. 2006(10): p. 1605-1609.
Wu xiao-qing, fang qiang, rao rui-zhong. Optical turbulence measurements on the coast with balloon-borne thermosonde and comparison with model[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams, 2006, 18.
[15] 青春, 吴晓庆, 李学彬, 等. WRF模式估算丽江高美古大气光学湍流廓线[J]. 中国激光, 2015, 42(9): 0913001
Qing Chun, Wu Xiaoqing, Li Xuebin, et al. Estimation of Atmospheric Optical Turbulence Profile by WRF Model at Gaomeigu[J]. Chinese Journal of Lasers, 2015, 42(9): 0913001(in chinese)
[16] 许利明, 吴晓庆, 王英俭. 利用中尺度天气预报模式预报大气光学湍流[J]. 大气与环境光学学报, 2008, 3(4): 0270
XU Li-ming, WU Xiao-qing, WANG Ying-jian. Forecast Optical Turbulence with Mesoscale Weather Forecast Model[J]. Journal of Atmospheric and Environmental Optics, 2008, 3(4): 0270(in chinese)
[17] Kolmogorov A . The Local Structure of Turbulence in Incompressible Viscous Fluid for Very Large Reynolds' Numbers[J]. Akademiia Nauk SSSR Doklady, 1941, 30.
[18] Ottersten H. Atmospheric structure and radar backscattering in clear air[J]. Radio Science, 1969, 4(12): 1179-1193.
[19] Beland R R. Propagation through atmospheric optical turbulence[J]. Atmospheric Propagation of Radiation, 1993, 2: 157-232.
[20]李双喜,付元芬,黄寅亮,等. 对湍流折射率结构系数C2n中的数值常数α 的讨论[J]. 中国学术期刊文摘,2001,7(2):225-227.
Li Shuangxi, Fu Yuanfen, Huang Yinliang, et al. Discussion of the numerical constant α in the turbulent refractive index structure coefficient C2n[J]. Chinese Academic Journal Abstracts,2001,7(2):225-227.
[21]许利明, 吴晓庆, 王英俭. 用常规气象参数估算光学湍流廓线方法的比较[J]. 强激光与粒子束, 2008, 20(1): 0053
Xu li-ming, Wu xiao-qing, Wang ying-jian. Methods comparision of estimating optical turbulence profile using conventional meteorology parameters[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams, 2008, 20.
[22] Sukanta, Basu. A simple approach for estimating the refractive index structure parameter (Cn2) profile in the atmosphere.[J]. Optics Letters, 2015.
[23] 赵强, 张蕊, 林乐科, 等. 对流层散射传输损耗与大气折射率结构常数相关性研究[J]. 电子学报, 2020, 48(3): 518-523.
ZHAO Qiang, ZHANG Rui, LIN Le-ke, et al. Research on the Correlation of Troposcatter Transmission Loss and Structure Constant of the Refractive Index[J]. Acta Electronica Sinica, 2020, 48(3): 518-523.
[24] Beland R R, Brown J H, Good R E, et al. Optical turbulence characterization of AMOS, 1985[J]. Tech. rep., 1988.
[25] Hufnagel R E , Stanley N R . Modulation Transfer Function Associated with Image Transmission through Turbulent Media[J]. Journal of the Optical Society of America, 1964, 54(1):52-60.
[26] 韩亚娟, 吴晓庆, 罗涛, 苏昶东, 青春, 吴骕, 杨期科, 张坤. 拉萨光学湍流探空测量与模式分析[J]. 光学学报, 2020, 40(6): 0601002.
Yajuan Han, Xiaoqing Wu, Tao Luo, Changdong Su, Chun Qing, Su Wu, Qike Yang, Kun Zhang. Optical Turbulence Measurement over Lhasa Using a Meteorological Radiosonde and Model Analysis[J]. Acta Optica Sinica, 2020, 40(6): 0601002.