High-resolution mapping of thin stable layers in the lower atmosphere using VHF radar

*R. M. Worthington[1] ,H. Luce [1],M. Yamamoto [1],S. Fukao [1]
Radio Science Center for Space and Atmosphere, Kyoto University[1]

VHF wind-profiling radars rely on atmospheric backscatter from a mixture of several different mechanisms. This can include both turbulence, and specular reflections from thin, distorted stable layers. Much information can be obtained using tens or hundreds of radar beams to map echo-power, velocity, shear etc, and this can work in complement with interferometric methods. The most recent results from multibeam experiment with the MU radar at Shigaraki are shown.

VHF wind-profiling radars rely on atmospheric backscatter from a mixture of several different mechanisms. This can include both turbulence, and specular reflections from thin, distorted stable layers. However, these are limiting cases, and actual backscatter involves a complex mixture of effects that is not entirely understood. The nature of atmospheric 'layering' and VHF backscatter has been studied for many years, using interferometric methods (SDI, FDI, FII etc) applied to a vertical-pointing radar beam. More information can be obtained using tens or hundreds of radar beams to map echo-power, velocity, shear etc, and this can work in complement with interferometric methods. This talk shows the most recent results, using the MU (Middle and Upper atmosphere) radar at Shigaraki. For the first time, fast mapping is shown of VHF backscatter in the night-time stable boundary layer, which often contains small regions of waves, instabilities and turbulence.