Methods for Radar Atmospheric Sensing Using Radars with Low-Element Antenna Arrays

Measurement of the state of the atmosphere is the most important task in the field of meteorology. Information on wind speed and direction at different heights, magnitude of turbulence and atmospheric tide is necessary for ensuring aviation safety, and the accident-free movement of land and sea vehicles. Vertical sensing radars are used to obtain information on the dynamics of atmospheric movements. They use reflections of electromagnetic waves from turbulent formations in the layers of the atmosphere and formations of a different nature. The time position of the reflected signal and the frequency shift due to the Doppler effect provide accurate information about the height and speed of movement of atmospheric inhomogeneities. An analysis of the parameters of the reflected signals makes possible to obtain in real time the altitude-time field of the wind speed and turbulence intensity. The physical principles underlying the operation of these radars allow continuous measurements regardless of weather conditions. The basic methods for measuring the vertical profile of the atmosphere, methods of scanning and classification of means of sensing for the vertical profile of the atmosphere, and the features of the operation and construction of vertical sensing radars with a low-element array are considered. The result of atmospheric sensing by a radar station with a low-element antenna array is presented.