Parametric modeling of mixed-layer turbulent structures based on sounding data.

Abstract

This study systematically investigates the vertical characteristics of optical turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer using high-resolution radiosonde data from three regions in China: the Shandong Peninsula (Site A), eastern Zhejiang (Site B), and southern Hainan (Site C). A parameterization model of the mixed-layer turbulence structure was developed, with a particular focus on the impact of vertical resolution on the estimation of the atmospheric refractive index structure constant (Cn2). By comparing models constructed at 10 m, 50 m, and 100 m resolutions, the robustness of the exponential decay model was validated. The results reveal significant regional differences in turbulence attenuation: Sites A and C exhibit a classical h^-4/3 decay pattern, while Site B shows an h^-2 behavior, likely related to local atmospheric stability and terrain conditions. To address the presence of localized strong turbulence thin layers within the entrainment zone, a dual-model framework was proposed, integrating a lognormal statistical model with a temperature gradient-based polynomial method. This approach enables quantitative assessment of anomalous Cn2 enhancements. The framework demonstrated good performance in characterizing optical turbulence in the entrainment zone across all three sites, providing preliminary evidence of its applicability. Furthermore, it offers reliable data support for the design of adaptive optics in astronomical observations, the optimization of laser communication stability, and atmospheric pollutant dispersion modeling.