Measurements of Mesospheric Winds and Waves
Abstract
An imaging Doppler interferometer (IDI) radar was operated to analyze the characteristics of radar scattering in terms of a number of discrete scattering points, also referred to as multiple scattering centers, IDI/MSC for short. For each of these points the three-dimensional location, radial velocity, and amplitude and phase are determined, similar to the output of meteor radars. The conventional Groves' meteor wind radar analysis was applied to the scattering points to produce the mean apparent motions over the height range from 70 to 110 km. The mean apparent motion of the scattering centers is the quantity that would correspond to the neutral atmosphere wind or bulk motion if the scattering points are physical entities (such as turbulent eddies) whose motions are determined solely by advection. This is the quantity which is treated as the 'wind' in the analysis and which should be compared to the wind measurements as deduced from the other methods employed during this campaign. Extreme care must be used in interpreting the velocities measured by partial reflection radars as winds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA247181
Entities
People
- Gene W. Adams
- John W. Brosnahan
- Robert G. Roper
Organizations
- Utah State University