Simulated microwave propagation through tropospheric turbulence

A two-dimensional parabolic equation/split-step algorithm is used to march the wavefront through random refractivity fluctuations. The index of refraction is modeled to include small random fluctuations from boundary layer turbulence superimposed upon a deterministic refractivity profile. Three-dimensional spectral models from the atmospheric literature are used to derive the one-dimensional transverse spectra of refractivity that are necessary for parabolic simulations. Realizations of the medium consistent with the spectra are generated and propagation studies are conducted. By repeating the propagation study and averaging across an ensemble of realizations, the appropriate statistics of the field are estimated. Good agreement is observed between the numerical results and existing theory for a benchmark problem. The limitations of two-dimensional models are discussed. Two models for the inhomogeneous structure constant of turbulence in the boundary layer are considered