Validity of Kolmogorov turbulence at higher elevations

Most models of optical radiation propagation through turbulent media are based on the assumption that turbulence is of Kolmogorov's type. It is assumed, also, that this type of turbulence corresponds to fluctuations of passive scalar field (temperature, aerosol, etc.). In the present report we demonstrate that in a real atmosphere (above the surface layer) the turbulent field of passive scalar fluctuations can differ from Kolmogorov’s model. From the spectrum of the intensity fluctuation of LIDAR signals scattered by aerosol concentration inhomogeneities, the behavior of atmospheric turbulence spectrum (power law exponent γ) is estimated. As follows from the experimental data the power law exponent of the turbulent spectra should be different from the case of purely Kolmogorov's (-5/3).