Rd. Palmer et al., SOMARE-99: Observations of tropospheric scattering layers using multiple-frequency range imaging, RADIO SCI, 36(4), 2001, pp. 681-693
Results from an experimental implementation of multiple-frequency range ima
ging (RIM) are presented. The technique exploits the benefits of frequency
diversity to improve range resolution of atmospheric radar systems. The the
ory has been described in the literature, and simulations have proven its u
sefulness. Nevertheless, experimental results have been extremely limited.
Over a 5-day period in May 1999 we conducted experiments using RIM on the s
ounding system (SOUSY) radar in northern Germany to observe the layered str
ucture in the troposphere. The experiment is referred to as the SOUSY Multi
frequency Atmospheric Radar Experiment 1999 (SOMARE-99). Estimates of range
brightness produced by the RIM analysis provide insight about the layered
structure of the atmosphere. The RIM results show distinct similarities to
previous in situ measurements, which have shown sharp refractive index disc
ontinuities to exist throughout the troposphere and stratosphere. Examples
from selected time periods show layers modulated by possible short-period g
ravity waves or advection of periodic structures as well as other layers wi
th apparent downward motion possibly caused by the progression of a warm fr
ont or large-scale subsidence.