Statistical analysis of precipitable water vapor in the North Caucasus and Crimea
A.Yu. Shikhovtsev1, V.B. Khaikin2, A.P. Mironov3, P.G. Kovadlo1
1Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of the Siberian Branch of the RAS, Irkutsk, Russia
2Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SAO RAS)
3State Astronomical Institute named after P.K. Sternberg, Moscow, Russia
Keywords: telescope, astroclimate, precipitable water vapor, ERA-5 database, GNSS, GPS, satellite geodesy
Abstract
The results of studies of the precipitable water vapor (PWV) at Terskol, Kislovodsk, Nauchny, Sheki, and Hunzakh sites are presented. The comparative analysis of changes in GNSS-derived PWV and PWV estimated from the ERA-5 reanalysis database has been performed. The ERA-5 data make it possible to reveal new sites suitable for millimeter/submillimeter telescopes. In view of the comparatively low total cloud cover, Rutulsky and Agulsky regions are the most promising for building millimeter/submillimeter telescopes in the North Caucasus (Dagestan, mt. Horai (3521 m), Kаtаlnats (3780 m), mt. Karah (2876 m), and mt. Sindaky (2849 m)).
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