Improved models of upper-level wind for several astronomical observatories

TL;DR

This paper develops improved wind profile models for astronomical observatories using 30 years of radiosonde data, enhancing adaptive optics design and turbulence prediction.

Contribution

It extends the Greenwood wind profile to include seasonal and location variations and introduces Richardson number analysis for turbulence inference.

Findings

Seasonal and location variations in wind profiles identified.

Long-term wind models improve adaptive optics planning.

Richardson number profiles suggest persistent turbulent layers.

Abstract

An understanding of wind speed and direction as a function of height are critical to the proper modeling of atmospheric turbulence. We have used radiosonde data from launch sites near significant astronomical observatories and created mean profiles of wind speed and direction and have also computed Richardson number profiles. Using data from the last 30 years, we extend the 1977 Greenwood wind profile to include parameters that show seasonal variations and differences in location. The added information from our models is useful for the design of adaptive optics systems and other imaging systems. Our analysis of the Richardson number suggests that persistent turbulent layers may be inferred when low values are present in our long term averaged data. Knowledge of the presence of these layers may help with planning for adaptive optics and laser communications.