Vortex-acoustic sounding of the atmosphere: Physical principles and experimental verification

A new method of remote measurements of wind, temperature, and humidity prof iles in the lower atmosphere is described. The meteorological parameters ar e determined from the characteristics of an acoustic echo from an air vorte x ring thrown into the air by a ground-based generator. The physical concep ts that form the basis of the method are associated with the dynamics and d ecay of a turbulent vortex ring in the atmosphere, the formation of a certa in thermal structure in the ring during its motion in a stratified medium, and the scattering of acoustic waves by the ring. The final results of an a nalysis of these concepts are brought to calculation relationships. The pap er presents the necessary formulas, engineering solutions, results of onsit e measurements, and recommendations to estimate the range of validity of th is method and to proceed to its implementation.