Variability Of Cn2 At Poker Flat, Alaska, From Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere (MST) Doppler Radar Observations

We examine the seasonal, day-to-day, and diurnal fluctuations of Cn2 using data from the mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere (MST) radar at Poker Flat, Alaska. The radar has been operated in a nearly continuous mode since early 1979, with profiles recorded every 2 to 4 minutes. The results for Cn2 are presented at about 2 km height intervals from 4 to 20 km. It is found that the mean values of Cn2 in the troposphere are about 10 dB larger in summer than in winter at all levels. In the stratosphere the seasonal means are nearly the same. The diurnal range is about 3 dB in the troposphere during all seasons, and varies in the stratosphere from about 3 dB during winter to 10 dB during summer. The relationship of mean Cn2 with meteorological variables is discussed.