Using VHF Radars to Probe the Atmosphere.

Abstract

Columns of ions left by the passage of meteors through the 80- to 100-km altitude region are used as tracers to monitor the wind and density variations of the high atmosphere. Recent equipment development with pulse-interferometers operating in the 20- to 75-MHz band has made it possible to obtain more accurate information on the location of the reflection point on the ionized meteor trail. Analyses of the wind and density data obtained at AFCRL, at Stanford, California, Durham, New Hampshire, and Eglin AFB, Florida are reviewed. Rocket and meteor trail wind observations were obtained at Eglin AFB and, for a separation of 150 km, show reasonable comparisons within one hour. Poor comparisons at larger space and time separations are attributed to large-scale horizontal eddies (gravity waves). (Author Modified Abstract)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 29, 1972
Accession Number
AD0758765

Entities

People

  • Arnold A. Barnes Jr.

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Altitude
  • Atmospheres
  • California
  • Communication Equipment
  • Continents
  • Geographic Regions
  • Gravity
  • Gravity Waves
  • Interferometers
  • New Hampshire
  • North America
  • Observation
  • Reflection
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Coastal Oceanography
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space