Work

Radiosonde-to-Space (R2S) atmospheric specifications: Bridging observations and models for infrasound propagation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Infrasound propagation is inherently asymmetric and time‐dependent, making accurate atmospheric specifications essential for predicting when and where signals arrive. The Naval Research Laboratory's Ground‐to‐Space (G2S) model is widely used for this purpose, yet discrepancies between G2S predictions and observations highlight the need for improvement. Here we develop Radiosonde‐to‐Space (R2S) specifications by merging direct radiosonde‐based observations of the lower atmosphere with G2S profiles aloft, producing continuous profiles from the ground surface elevation to 150 km. We compare more than 6,000 G2S–R2S pairs for Albuquerque, New Mexico, and conduct propagation modeling on representative endmembers spanning the range of differences. While G2S typically reproduces most R2S‐predicted arrivals, important exceptions occur that would affect event interpretation in real world scenarios. These results demonstrate that although G2S provides robust global coverage, predictions can change when direct lower‐atmosphere observations are incorporated, motivating broader integration of real‐time radiosonde data into global atmospheric specifications.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2025gl120188

Authors: Loring P. Schaible, Elizabeth A. Silber

Institution: Sandia National Laboratories

Language: English

Topic: Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

Funders: National Nuclear Security Administration, Sandia National Laboratories