A novel approach to model optical turbulence for the convective boundary layer at Cabauw (NL)

Atmospheric turbulence is a key factor when assessing Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC). Models that allow to quantify path integrated optical turbulence intensity require costly simulations. In this work, we propose an efficient and cheap physics-based framework for estimating 𝐶𝐶𝑛𝑛 2 vertical profiles in the convective boundary layer. We do this using the mixed layer column model CLASS (Chemistry Land-surface Atmosphere Soil Slab), which allows us to simulate surface (sensible and latent) heat fluxes and boundary layer height. Assuming a linear sensible flux profile over the boundary layer, in line with the mixed layer formulation, we derive a 𝐶𝐶𝑛𝑛 2 profile. We validate our approach against turbulence data from optical scintillometers and sonic anemometers at Cabauw, a turbulence test-bed in The Netherlands. In addition we will explore the sensitivity of the 𝐶𝐶𝑛𝑛 2 profile to local surface- and meteorological conditions. Preliminary results are presented and discussed.