H. Luce et al., Scattering layer thickness and position estimated by radar frequency domain interferometry - 2. Effects of tilts of the scattering layer or radar beam, RADIO SCI, 35(5), 2000, pp. 1109-1127
In the companion paper (part 1), theoretical studies on the dual frequency
domain interferometry (FDI) technique have been presented. Two possible cau
ses of biases in the layer thickness and position estimations by FDI have b
een considered: the limited extent of the scattering structure in the horiz
ontal plane and the advection of this structure by the wind. In the present
work, we study the effects of the tilts of the scattering layer from horiz
ontal. It is shown that in case of large tilt angles, substantial biases on
position and thickness can occur. The model, first developed by Liu and Pa
n [1993] but more extensively described in this paper, can also be used for
a prediction of the variations of the FDI coherence with the zenith angle
and their relation to the anisotropy of the scatterers. Some preliminary ob
servations of the zenith angle dependence of the FDI coherence and echo pow
er obtained with the middle and upper atmosphere (MU) radar from the vertic
al up to 28 degrees off zenith with a step of 2 degrees are shown and discu
ssed. In principle, comparisons between the observed power and coherence va
riations with those given by the model could give more information on the s
tructures that contribute around and far from the zenith.