Characterizing Atmospheric Optical Turbulence: A Comprehensive Study of Cn² Climatology Across Diverse Environments

Optical turbulence, quantified by refractive index structure function (Cn2), is important for characterizing atmospheric propagation of electromagnetic radiation. Enhanced values Cn2 are found within the surface layer and entrainment zone of the atmospheric boundary layer. In this study, we examine diurnal and seasonal variation of Cn2 measured at the Persistent Data Collection Site (PDCS) in Hazel Green, Alabama. Observations utilized for this purpose are two-level sonic anemometer measurements from a 10 m tower. Diurnal and seasonal variation of Cn2 determined from these observations will be compared to estimates from operational numerical model derived estimates and custom one-dimensional model estimates. Note that the one-dimensional model utilized will be constrained using site specific observations.