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Abstract Review
Corresponding Author |
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Authors |
Name | | Affiliation |
Jon Lawrence |
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University of New South Wales |
Michael Ashley |
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University of New South Wales |
John Storey |
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University of New South Wales |
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Abstract |
Session | | 1 (Instrumentation and observations to quantify the magnitude and distribution of atmospheric optical turbulence.) |
Title | | 'Characterising optical turbulence at Dome A on the Antarctic plateau' |
Abstract | | The free-atmospheric turbulence above the South Pole is known to be very calm above a ~250 m thick turbulent boundary layer. Dome C station, located higher on the Antarctic plateau, experiences similar free-atmosphere conditions but with a much lower surface boundary layer height (~30 m). It is likely that the optical turbulence at Dome A, the highest point on the Antarctic plateau (first visited in 2005 by a Polar Research Institute of China expedition), is confined even closer to the ice level. Obtaining data from this site represents a difficult technological challenge, due to the remote location and extreme environmental conditions. A collaboration between PRIC, NAOC, and UNSW intends to deploy the PLATO (PLATeau Observatory) to Dome A in the 2007/8 Austral summer. This observatory will characterise the Dome A atmospheric optical turbulence via an instrument suite which could include a Multi-Aperture Scintillation Sensor for upper atmosphere turbulence and a high-resolution Surface layer Non-Doppler Acoustic Radar for near ground turbulence.
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