An Evaluation of HF Ionospheric Backscatter Echoes

Abstract

The characteristics of HF radar echoes reflected from ionization irregularities aligned along the lines of force of the earth's magnetic field are discussed. The spatial-geographical extent of ionospheric backscatter echoes is estimated for an HF radar located in the midlatitudes with the antenna beam oriented toward the polar region. Utilizing experimental radar-ionospheric data acquired at frequencies between HF and UHF, an analysis is made of the amplitude and the cross-sectional area statistics of HF field-aligned echoes. The Doppler frequency variation, the frequency of occurrence and the diurnal and seasonal variation of ionospheric backscatter echoes and their correlation with solar geophysical conditions are also discussed.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1975
Accession Number
ADA018229

Entities

People

  • George H. Millman

Organizations

  • General Electric

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Programs
  • Distribution Functions
  • Electron Density
  • Frequency Shift
  • Geomagnetism
  • High Latitudes
  • Ionosphere
  • Ionospheric Models
  • Magnetic Disturbances
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Radar
  • Radar Cross Sections
  • Radar Reflections
  • Refraction
  • Refractive Index
  • Scattering
  • Solar Activity

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science
  • Physics

Readers

  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.