Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Evaporation Duct for the South China Sea

Evaporation duct forms over the ocean surface and have a strong impact on near-surface radar propagation. The statistical features of spatio-temporal distribution of evaporation duct are of great importance to the design and application of ship borne electromagnetic systems. High spatial resolution (0.312 degrees x0.313 degrees) climate database of evaporation duct was established based on up to date National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) data and the NPS evaporation duct model. The spatial resolution was about 39 times higher than the existed climate database (1.875 degrees x1.875 degrees). The statistical features and the physical mechanism of spatio-temporal distribution of evaporation duct for the South China Sea were analyzed in detail based on the database. The distribution features of the evaporation duct height for different sea areas and months were obtained. The relative results can be applied to ship borne radar and communication systems design and planning of operation.