Studies of the Tilts of Atmospheric Scatterers by Windprofiler Radars
Abstract
MST (Mesosphere–Stratosphere–Troposphere) radars are powerful instruments for observing the differences in refractive indexes in the air. By tracking refractive index perturbations, these radars can determine wind speeds and turbulence strengths in the atmosphere from the ground up to 15 km altitude. In this project, we used 6 Doppler Radars to study the correlation between horizontal and vertical winds in the Troposphere to find scatterer tilts. However, instrumental effects due to small tilts in the radar beam can also cause such correlations, thus our studies cover that as well. Scatterers are best known for being the result of turbulence and waves in the Troposphere. Hence understanding the nature of scatterers leads to a better understanding of the gravity wave's effects in the Troposphere, as they can generate this turbulence. This thesis found the correlation between horizontal and vertical wind and discovers it changes due to season, month, height, and location. Therefore, it is concluded that this correlation results from the tilt of scatterers, and if there is a tilt in the vertical beam, it is minimal.