资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

The refractive index structure parameter C _n ² provides crucial information regarding turbulent effects on electromagnetic wave propagation. We propose to use second‐order turbulence closure techniques to predict C _n ² based on boundary layer parameterizations in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. This predictive approach provides additional degrees of freedom for improving C _n ² simulations. The model is evaluated using a single column version of Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System in a case study of convective boundary layer over the ocean. The predicted C _n ² is generally consistent with results from large‐eddy simulations, well‐known scaling theories, and limited surface layer observations. This study offers a general approach for computing C _n ² for the entire boundary layer and various turbulence regimes in a NWP model.