RADAR METEOROLOGY AT MILLIMETER WAVELENGTHS.
Abstract
The theoretical scattering and absorption properties of rain, fog, cloud particles, and atmospheric aerosols are given for millimeter wavelengths. Two methods of evaluating the performance of meteorological radars are suggested. A comparison is made for centimeter, millimeter, and optical wavelengths under various meteorological conditions. Radar meteorology is an important application of millimeter waves, especially for cloud studies. Particle backscatter cross sections are much higher at millimeter wavelengths than at longer wavelengths, and yet the penetration through clouds and fog is much greater than at optical wavelengths. In addition, high resolution is possible at millimeter wavelengths with modest size antennas. Small meteorological particles, such as cloud and fog droplets (and possibly giant aerosols around 50 microns in size), could be detected at millimeter wavelengths. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0488085
Entities
People
- R. L. Mitchell
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation