Atmospheric Structure Observed by FM-CW Radar at the Salton Sea in the California Desert.
Abstract
The observational results of a scanning mobile FM-CW radar sounder, operated in an arid environment at the Salton Sea Navy Base, California, for a period of five days, are reported. The returns are compared with returns taken with a fixed (vertically pointing) FM-CW radar sounder operating in a marine environment in San Diego, California. Echoes obtained at Salton Sea were found to be predominately low-level, surface-based, convective-like structures apparently resulting from vertical mixing induced by daytime surface heating. Relatively few elevated layers were observed during the short measurement period in the arid environment as compared to observations in San Diego. Waves resembling K-H instabilities were observed. Insect flight patterns were found to be influenced by atmospheric structure and may be used as tracers for vertical atmospheric motion. Multiple layering showing wave motions was also observed and is common to both environments. These radar findings were supported by simultaneous radiosondes. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0780427
Entities
People
- D. R. Jensen
- J. H. Richter
- V. R. Noonkester
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command