A statistical model to estimate refractivity turbulence structure constant C sub n sup 2 in the free atmosphere

A computer program has been tested and documented (Warnock and VanZandt, 1985) that estimates mean values of the refractivity turbulence structure constant in the stable free atmosphere from standard National Weather Service balloon data or an equivalent data set. The program is based on the statistical model for the occurrence of turbulence developed by VanZandt et al. (1981). Height profiles of the estimated refractivity turbulence structure constant agree well with profiles measured by the Sunset radar with a height resolution of about 1 km. The program also estimates the energy dissipation rate (epsilon), but because of the lack of suitable observations of epsilon, the model for epsilon has not yet been evaluated sufficiently to be used in routine applications. Vertical profiles of the refractivity turbulence structure constant were compared with profiles measured by both radar and optical remote sensors and good agreement was found. However, at times the scintillometer measurements were less than both the radar and model values.