Radar coverage predictions through time- and range-dependent refractive atmospheres with planetary boundary layer and electromagnetic parabolic equation models

The enhancement of the capability of electromagnetic parabolic equation (EMPE) and other propagation codes by using predictions from an atmospheric forecast model to provide refractivity data for range-dependent and time-varying situations is demonstrated. Starting from measured temperature and humidity data at one location and time, the JHU/APL planetary boundary layer model is used to obtained predictions for a 24-h forecast period. Predicted fields of temperature, humidity, and refractivity after 12 and 24 h are compared with measured data to verify the forecast, and vertical profiles of refractivity for each hour are provided, along with appropriate radar parameters, as input to EMPE. The EMPE calculations of expected radiation patterns as functions of height and range at selected times demonstrate the effects of hourly changes in the structure of the lower atmosphere on radar propagation. The radar propagation calculations have been repeated using the IREPS code to illustrate the similarities and differences between the two models when applied to this somewhat idealized, horizontally homogeneous situation.<>