On analyzing space-time distribution of evaporation duct height over the global ocean

The statistical features of the evaporation duct over the global ocean were comprehensively investigated with reanalysis data sets from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. These data sets have time and spatial resolutions of 1 h and 0.313°×0.312°, respectively. The efficiency of the analysis was evaluated by processing weather buoy data from the Pacific Ocean and measuring propagation loss in the Yellow Sea of China. The distribution features of evaporation duct height (EDH) and the related meteorological factors for different seas were analyzed. The global EDH is generally high and demonstrates a latitudinal distribution for oceans at low latitudes. The average EDH is approximately 11 m over oceans beside the equator with a latitude of less than 20°. The reasons for the formation of the global EDH features were also analyzed for different sea areas.