In this paper we analyze optically active turbulence variations in the daytime under well-developed convective activity of the ABL. We consider fast variations of the refractive index structure parameter C_n² with quasi periods from some tens of seconds to a few tens of minutes and spatial scales from tens of meters to several some kilometers. Spectral characteristics and probability density distribution of C_n² variations and their height dependence are presented. The strong intermittent structure of C_n² is common with the convective ABL. The distribution of probability of C_n+2) at low heights is not lognormal and has a considerable negative asymmetry. The representative comb structure of spectra of C_n+2) variance are observed. Typical temporal and spatial scales of C_n² variations are estimated. It is shown that, in spite of a rather high mean level of turbulence, there are time intervals with duration of a few minutes when its influence on wave propagation is slight enough to interfere with optical observations.

Date Published: 29 June 1994
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 2222, Atmospheric Propagation and Remote Sensing III, (29 June 1994); doi: 10.1117/12.178043

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2222:
Atmospheric Propagation and Remote Sensing III
Walter A. Flood; Walter B. Miller, Editor(s)