The diurnal variation of backscattered power from VHF Doppler radar measurements in Colorado and Alaska
Abstract
Results from a statistical analysis of backscattered signal power measurements at 4-18 km by the clear-air Doppler radars (MST radars, or wind profilers) in the Colorado Profiler Network and at Poker Flat, Alaska, show a systematic diurnal variation during the summer months. These diurnal variations have a high level of statistical significance. In the midtroposphere the diurnal range is near 7 dB with largest values in the afternoon, probably associated with the enhanced turbulence and moisture levels due to afternoon convection. In the stratosphere the diurnal range is about 5 dB over Colorado, with smallest values in the afternoon. The stratospheric cycle is interpreted as a response to modulation of the amplitude of gravity waves propagating upward from the troposphere. The diurnal cycle at all heights becomes indistinct during the winter months.
- Publication:
-
Radio Science
- Pub Date:
- December 1985
- DOI:
- 10.1029/RS020i006p01509
- Bibcode:
- 1985RaSc...20.1509N
- Keywords:
-
- Backscattering;
- Clear Air Turbulence;
- Diurnal Variations;
- Doppler Radar;
- Statistical Analysis;
- Very High Frequencies;
- Gravity Waves;
- Planetary Boundary Layer;
- Stratosphere