Determining the refractive index structure in the littoral marine boundary layer by in situ measurements and sensing techniques

Abstract

Evaporative and advective processes can significantly affect the refractive index structure in littoral environments. This paper discusses the validity of existing models in accurately describing refractive index profiles in both a tropical littoral environment and also a temperate environment. The results show that in some instances the refractivity models agree quite well with measurements. In other instances there is strong disagreement which results when the models are applied to regimes for which they are not strictly applicable.