3D mapping of optical turbulence using an atmospheric numerical model. II. First results at Cerro Paranal

Details 3D mapping of optical turbulence using an atmospheric numerical model. II. First results at Cerro Paranal 3D mapping of optical turbulence using an atmospheric numerical model. II. First results at Cerro Paranal

May 1999

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999a%26as..137..203m&link_type=abstract

Astronomy and Astrophysics Supplement, v.137, p.203-216

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

26

Atmospheric Effects, Site Testing, Turbulence

Scientific paper

The first statistical results of simulations of optical turbulence over Cerro Paranal by an atmospheric non-hydrostatic model (Meso-Nh) are presented. Measurements from the whole PARSCA93 campaign are analyzed. Simulations are compared to optical measurements obtained by a Scidar and a DIMM working at the same time during 14 nights 13-26 May 1993 over Paranal (Chile). An orographic model with a horizontal resolution of 500 m is implemented in Meso-Nh to study its sensitivity to the orographic effects. The model is initialized with radiosoundings profiles provided by Antofagasta station (70.43 W, 23.43 S) and ECMWF analyses extracted from the nearest grid point (70.31 W, 23.62 S) to this meteorological station. A detailed quality study of radiosounding and analyses is presented. No radiosoundings were provided by Antofagasta station during 4 nights and numerical instabilies were generated by the model during the 13 and 26 May 1993 nights. So, only 8 nights were actually studied. Two statistical methods are presented: Method A has a high temporal resolution, Method B has a high vertical spatial resolution. Method A compares integrated values (seeing) provided by simulations and measurements, Method B compares the C_N(2) \ profiles. Different statistical estimators are computed for both the methods. We demonstrate that the model can reproduce well the spatial distribution of the optical turbulence in both the high and low atmospheric regions but the unreliability of Antofagasta radiosoundings hampers the statistical results of the numerical technique. To better test the performance of the model, a comparison between the numerical and the forecasting-by-persistence techniques is presented. With a poor statistical sample (only 8 nights), no conclusive statements can be made about the performances of the two techniques. The model ability to discriminate between the best (varepsilon = 0.38) and the worst (varepsilon = 1.38) nights of the campaign is promising for the future implementation of the numerical technique for flexible scheduling of telescopes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

3D mapping of optical turbulence using an atmospheric numerical model. II. First results at Cerro Paranal does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with 3D mapping of optical turbulence using an atmospheric numerical model. II. First results at Cerro Paranal, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and 3D mapping of optical turbulence using an atmospheric numerical model. II. First results at Cerro Paranal will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1119490