Investigating the integrated optical turbulence over the sea by different measurement techniques and mesoscale model simulations

An over-water propagation link of 3.6 km was set up between the Dutch city of Den Helder and the island of Texel. For 6 days in November 2021, a laser beam was propagated along this path. An analysis of the beam wander resulted in an estimate of the strength of optical turbulence C2n. Estimates compare quite well with independent measurements of C2n by two boundary layer scintillometers. Regional maps of C2n were produced by a numerical tool consisting of the WRF model coupled to a micrometeorological module. Regional differences in C2n could be explained in terms of surface conditions, and acceptable agreement was found between the numerical values of C2n for the trial site and the values provided by the scintillometers.