A comparison of radar measurements of atmospheric turbulence intensities by both C sub n sup 2 and spectral width methods

摘要

There are two main techniques by which turbulence intensities in the atmosphere can be measured by radars. One is to utilize the absolute backscattered power received by the radar, and use this to deduce C sub n sup 2 (refractivity turbulence structure constant). With appropriate assumptions, this parameter can then be converted to an energy dissipation rate. The second method utilizes the width of the spectrum of the signal received by the radar. Neither of these techniques have been used a great deal, and they have never been properly compared. Thus it was not possible to determine the validity of the assumptions made in applying each technique, nor was it possible to determine the limitations of each method. The first comparisons of the two techniques are presented. Measurements were made with the Adelaide VHF ST radar, and the results of the comparison are discussed.