Techniques for the Automated Observation of Clouds.

Abstract

This report surveys techniques for cloud detection to assess their suitability for meeting the requirements of the Automated Observation System (AOS). A microwave sensor is essential because of the requirements for observing cloud top heights and documenting multiple cloud layers. Wavelengths between 3 cm and 8.6 mm could be used for this application, and a detailed sensor design study is recommended to evaluate the availability, cost, performance, and reliability of components and systems. Pulsed or continuous-wave radars could meet most of the requirements, although measurements of cloud base with high accuracy at low altitude may be difficult with some pulsed systems. Keywords: Cloud base; Ceilometer; Cloud amount; Automated cloud observation; Remote detection; Ka band radar; X band radar; Lidar.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 10, 1985
Accession Number
ADA165573

Entities

People

  • James I. Metcalf

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Altitude
  • Atmospheric Sciences
  • Bandwidth
  • Continuous Waves
  • Continuous-Wave Radar
  • Data Processing
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • K Band
  • Low Altitude
  • Low Elevation
  • Measurement
  • Observation
  • Radar
  • Repetition Rate
  • Wave Propagation

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Climatology
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Software Engineering