Articles | Volume 22, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-22-1407-2004
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-22-1407-2004
08 Apr 2004
 | 08 Apr 2004

All-weather volume imaging of the boundary layer and troposphere using the MU radar

R. M. Worthington

Abstract. This paper shows the first volume-imaging radar that can run in any weather, revealing the turbulent three-dimensional structure and airflow of convective cells, rain clouds, breaking waves and deep convection as they evolve and move. Precipitation and clear air can be volume-imaged independently. Birds are detected as small high-power echoes moving near horizontal, at different speeds and directions from background wind. The volume-imaging method could be used to create a real-time virtual-reality view of the atmosphere, in effect making the invisible atmosphere visible in any weather.

Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (convective processes, turbulence) – Radio science (instruments and techniques)

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