Abstract
Numerical simulations of airflow over various potential sites for telescopes have been performed. Information such as wind speed and temperature profiles, turbulence levels (fluctuating velocity RMS), wake lengths and boundary (ground) layer thickness are retrieved. This information is then used to model local seeing, thus providing an essential evaluation tool in the site selection process. The seeing modeling methodology is presented along with the domain configuration strategy. A compilation of simulations follows, carried out over possible site locations for telescope projects. In the past, results included evaluation of ground layer as a function of wind speed and direction for a given site or even comparison between neighboring sites when applicable. Since the local seeing (combined mirror, dome and ground layer seeing) is strongly affected by site development and enclosure geometry, the focus has now shifted to airflow-topography-structure interactions. Examples demonstrate the value of this type of modeling as a design and operations strategy tool.
