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At least 991 records · Page 55
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Doppler radar study of the anvil region associated with a squall line

A method for analyzing multiple Doppler radar data is briefly described. A feature of this method is a new automated objective unfolding scheme which unfolds Doppler velocities for all the radars simultanceously rather than one radar at a time. The method has been used to study a region of widespread precipitation trailing a squall line (anvil), using tripple Doppler radar data to calculate horizontal winds, divergence, and vertical air velocity over an area 120 km by 120 km by 9 km deep. The method yields vertical profiles of divergence which verify the extended VAD method results of Matejka and Srivastava (1981) for the same anvil, and provides a more detailed picture of the variation of winds, divergence, and vertical air velocity in the anvil behind the squall line.

Srivastava, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Simultaneous ocean cross-section and rainfall measurements from space with a nadir pointing radar

A modified version of the surface-target-attenuation radar described by Meneghini et al. (1983) is proposed which permits simultaneous measurement of ocean radar cross sections and path-average rain rates using a nadir-pointing satellite-borne microwave radar. The basic concept is explained and illustrated; the equations describing the data reduction are derived; some preliminary numerical computations based on a 7.5-m-diameter 10-kW 1.33-microsec-pulse radar operating at 1.87 cm from an altitude of 500 km are performed; and the major error sources (mismatches between rain scattering volumes and additional multipath contributions) and limitations (nadir pointing) are discussed. It is suggested that the system could provide a nadir calibration for wide-swath observing systems such as scanning microwave radiometers.

Atlas, D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Recent advances in geologic mapping by radar

Quantitative techniques are available which allow the analysis of SAR images for the derivation of geological surface and process data. In conjunction with calibrated radar sensors operating at several incidence angles, wavelengths, and polarizations, the compilation of multiparameter radar signatures of lithological and geomorphic units can accordingly proceed for geological mapping in unknown areas. While radar image tone can be used in arid zones to derive surface micromorphology, heavily vegetated tropical regions require the analysis of radar image texture by means of Fourier techniques which decompose the image into bandpasses that represent different scales of texture.

Farr, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Mean Winds of the Mesosphere (60-80 Km), as Measured by MF Radars

Winds data obtained from medium frequency (MF) radars for heights of 60 to 80 km are discussed: locations are Saskatoon (52 N, 107 W), Christchurch (44 S, 173 W), Adelside (35 S, 183 E) and Townsville (20 S, 147 E). Whereas well defined summer easterly jets centered near 70 km develop in summer, no regular buildups and decays are observed in winter at midlatitudes. Part of this variability can be associated with stratospheric warmings, which develop into breakdown of the polar vortex in the Northern Hemisphere. Amplitude and phase profiles of the annual and semiannual oscillations are also presented. The radar winds from Saskatoon are compared and combined with rocket derived winds up to 60 km from Primrose Lake (54 N, 110 W) to give consistent cross sections from 20 to 110 km. The SH radar winds are compared with a model based on rocket winds which extends up to 80 km. The latter evidence considerable smoothing, as no winter variability is evident. The other consistent difference is that heights of the summer easterly maxima for the model are 5 to 10 km lower than the radar winds at all latitudes.

Manson, A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Mean Winds of the Upper Middle Atmosphere (60-110 Km): a Global Distribution from Radar Systems (MF, Meteor, VHF)

During the last decade a large number of radars have been developed, which have produced substantial quantities of tidally corrected mean winds data in the upper middle atmosphere. The distribution of the radars is not global, but many areas are well covered. Zonal and meridional wind height-time cross sections from 60 to 80 km (MF/meteor radar) to approx. 110 km were preared for the last 5 to 6 years. They are compared with cross sections from CIRA 1972 for zonal winds, and GROVES (1969) for meridional winds. It is shown that while CIRA 1972 is still a useful model for many purposes, significant differences exist between it and the new radar data. The latter demonstrate important seasonal, latitudinal, longitudinal and hemispheric variations. The new meridional cross sections are of great value. The common features with GROVES (1969) are the equatorward cells in summer near 85 km; however, their strength (approx. 10 m/s) and size are less. Systematic and somewhat different variations emerge at (higher 52 N) and lower (35 to 44 deg) latitudes.

Manson, A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Mathematical analysis study for radar data processing and enchancement. Part 2: Modeling of propagation path errors

A study is performed under NASA contract to evaluate data from an AN/FPS-16 radar installed for support of flight programs at Dryden Flight Research Facility of NASA Ames Research Center. The purpose of this study is to provide information necessary for improving post-flight data reduction and knowledge of accuracy of derived radar quantities. Tracking data from six flights are analyzed. Noise and bias errors in raw tracking data are determined for each of the flights. A discussion of an altitude bias error during all of the tracking missions is included. This bias error is defined by utilizing pressure altitude measurements made during survey flights. Four separate filtering methods, representative of the most widely used optimal estimation techniques for enhancement of radar tracking data, are analyzed for suitability in processing both real-time and post-mission data. Additional information regarding the radar and its measurements, including typical noise and bias errors in the range and angle measurements, is also presented. This report is in two parts. This is part 2, a discussion of the modeling of propagation path errors.

James, R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Analysis of airborne Doppler lidar, Doppler radar and tall tower measurements of atmospheric flows in quiescent and stormy weather

The first experiment to combine airborne Doppler Lidar and ground-based dual Doppler Radar measurements of wind to detail the lower tropospheric flows in quiescent and stormy weather was conducted in central Oklahoma during four days in June-July 1981. Data from these unique remote sensing instruments, coupled with data from conventional in-situ facilities, i.e., 500-m meteorological tower, rawinsonde, and surface based sensors, were analyzed to enhance understanding of wind, waves and turbulence. The purposes of the study were to: (1) compare winds mapped by ground-based dual Doppler radars, airborne Doppler lidar, and anemometers on a tower; (2) compare measured atmospheric boundary layer flow with flows predicted by theoretical models; (3) investigate the kinematic structure of air mass boundaries that precede the development of severe storms; and (4) study the kinematic structure of thunderstorm phenomena (downdrafts, gust fronts, etc.) that produce wind shear and turbulence hazardous to aircraft operations. The report consists of three parts: Part 1, Intercomparison of Wind Data from Airborne Lidar, Ground-Based Radars and Instrumented 444 m Tower; Part 2, The Structure of the Convective Atmospheric Boundary Layer as Revealed by Lidar and Doppler Radars; and Part 3, Doppler Lidar Observations in Thunderstorm Environments.

Bluestein, H. B.↗
NASA NTRS1985

VHF radar observation of the middle atmosphere at Syowa Station, Antarctica

The newly developed pulsed Doppler radars with 50 and 112 MHz were installed at Syowa Station (69 deg 00'S, 39 deg 35'E geographic; 70.0 deg S, 80.2 deg E geomagnetic) in 1982 and 1983, respectively. They have the nominal peak power of 15 kW; the narrow antenna beams (4 deg in the horizontal plane) in two different directions (approximately geomagnetic south and geographic south with a crossing angle of about 33 deg), the three operation modes (spectrum, double-pulse and meteor mode). The radars were designed to measure the intensity and Doppler velocity of auroral radar echoes due to the 3- and 1.34-m irregularities appearing often in the disturbed E region and also to detect the meteor echoes in the 80 to 100 km altitudes, thereby to clarify how the middle atmosphere in the polar region behaves in response to the energy input from the magnetosphere, especially during a substorm. Some initial results obtained through the radar operation during 1982 to 1983 are presented to show that this system is useful for continuous monitoring of the lower auroral ionosphere.

Igarashi, K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The 50-MHz meteor radar observation at Syowa Station, Antarctica

The 50-MHz Doppler radar installed at Syowa Station (69 deg 00'S, 39 deg 35'E), Antarctica, in 1982 can detect continuously a meteor echo if an operator assigns the meteor mode operation to the radar. The radar has two narrow antenna beams (4 deg in the horizontal plane), one toward geomagnetic south and the other toward approximately geographic south, with a crossing angle of about 33 deg. The minicomputer annexed to the radar controls the transmission and reception of a 50-MHz wave. If the receiver detects a meteor echo, the flag signal is sent to the computer. Then the computer begins to determine the echo range with a time resolution of 1 micro s and to sample every 200 microns/s for 1 s the Doppler signal and echo intensity at the particular range (R). The line-of-sight velocity (V sub D) of the echo trail is calculated from the output from the Doppler signal detection circuit having an offset frequency by using the so-called zero-crossing method. The echo amplitude decay time calculated by a least-mean square method is used to obtain the ambipolar diffusion coefficient (D) and then to calculate the echo height (H). About 120 day observations were made during 1982-1983. Some early results are presented. magnetic tapes together with V sub D, D, H and R for later analysis in Japan. About 120 day observation were made during 1982-1983. Some early results are presented.

Tanaka, T.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Structure of terrestrial impact craters from SIR-B radar data - Preliminary results

The structure in and around the Charlevoix and Deep Bay impact craters was analyzed by comparing SIR-B radar image lineament maps with maps derived from Landsat data and aerial photography. Relationships revealed include the discovery in the Deep Bay lineament distribution of a mode, of slightly different location and size to that determined by aerial photography, which correlates with the regional glacial trend. The Deep Bay regional glacial trend displays a much more prominent signature in the aerial photography than in the radar data, confirming the influence of radar look direction on the interpretation of lineament distribution and orientation. Effects from the impact event are noted in the radar images of both craters, with lineaments of one km or less appearing to be associated with the rim structure.

Fisher, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

What are the best radar wavelengths, incidence angles and polarizations for geologic applications? A statistical approach

Linear discriminant analysis of multifrequency and multipolarization radar scatterometer data of lava flows and sedimentary rocks indicates that the lava flows can be separated by age and the sedimentary rocks can be discriminated from one another. The optimum wavelengths, polarizations and incidence angles among those available for these problems was determined by the discriminant analysis program. For separation of the lava flows, shorter wavelengths, smaller incidence angles and horizontal polarization are best. A SIR-C radar configuration could provide nearly complete discrimination of these lava flows. Conversely, the longer wavelengths, larger incidence angles and vertical polarization was preferred for sedimentary rocks, perhaps due to the slight vegetation cover. Satisfactory classification of sedimentary rocks requires more radar data than for the lavas. These results are potentially useful both for radar system configuration and for geological applications. The method developed here may provide a rationale for user specification of imaging system parameters.

Blom, R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Shuttle Imaging Radar - Physical controls on signal penetration and subsurface scattering in the Eastern Sahara

Interpretation of Shuttle Imaging Radar-A (SIR-A) images by McCauley et al. (1982) dramatically changed previous concepts of the role that fluvial processes have played over the past 10,000 to 30 million years in shaping this now extremely flat, featureless, and hyperarid landscape. In the present paper, the near-surface stratigraphy, the electrical properties of materials, and the types of radar interfaces found to be responsible for different classes of SIR-A tonal response are summarized. The dominant factors related to efficient microwave signal penetration into the sediment blanket include (1) favorable distribution of particle sizes, (2) extremely low moisture content and (3) reduced geometric scattering at the SIR-A frequency (1.3 GHz). The depth of signal penetration that results in a recorded backscatter, here called 'radar imaging depth', was documented in the field to be a maximum of 1.5 m, or 0.25 of the calculated 'skin depth', for the sediment blanket. Radar imaging depth is estimated to be between 2 and 3 m for active sand dune materials. Diverse permittivity interfaces and volume scatterers within the shallow subsurface are responsible for most of the observed backscatter not directly attributable to grazing outcrops. Calcium carbonate nodules and rhizoliths concentrated in sandy alluvium of Pleistocene age south of Safsaf oasis in south Egypt provide effective contrast in premittivity and thus act as volume scatterers that enhance SIR-A portrayal of younger inset stream channels.

Schaber, G. G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Radar Time-Base and Pseudonoise Generator

Long pulses effectively compressed by pseudonoise technique. Computer-controlled, polynomial-driven time-base and pseudonoise generator enables radar system to achieve range resolution of about 80 m with radar pulses of 1-s duration. Normally, unmodulated 1-s pulse has relatively coarse range resolution of several thousand kilometers. Radar system effectively compresses modulated pulse into one of 100-ns pseudonoise-modulating pulses. Intended primarily for use with interplanetary radar, time-base/pseudonoise concept proves useful in test instruments or in time-base correction for video recording.

Brokl, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Doppler effects on velocity spectra observed by MST radars

Recently, wind data from mesophere-stratosphere-troposphere (MST) radars have been used to study the spectra of gravity waves in the atmosphere (Scheffler and Liu, 1985; VanZandt et al., 1985). Since MST radar measures the line-of-sight Doppler velocities, it senses the components of the wave-associated velocities along its beam directions. These components are related through the polarization relations which depend on the frequency and wave number of the wave. Therfore, the radar-observed velocity spectrum will be different from the original gravity-wave spectrum. Their relationship depends on the frequency and wave number of the wave as well as the propagation geometry. This relation can be used to interpret the observed data. It can also be used to test the assumption of gravity-wave spectrum (Scheffler and Liu, 1985). In deriving this relation, the background atmosphere has been assumed to be motionless. Obviously, the Doppler shift due to the background wind will change the shape of the gravity-wave power spectrum as well as its relation with the radar-observed spectrum. Here, researcher's investigate these changes.

Scheffler, A. O.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Radar investigation of asteroids

The number of radar detected asteroids has climbed from 6 to 40 (27 mainbelt plus 13 near-Earth). The dual-circular-polarization radar sample now comprises more than 1% of the numbered asteroids. Radar results for mainbelt asteroids furnish the first available information on the nature of these objects at macroscopic scales. At least one object (2 Pallas) and probably many others are extraordinarily smooth at centimeter-to-meter scales but are extremely rough at some scale between several meters and many kilometers. Pallas has essentially no small-scale structure within the uppermost several meters of the regolith, but the rms slope of this regolith exceeds 20 deg., much larger than typical lunar values (approx. 7 deg.). The origin of these slopes could be the hypervelocity impact cratering process, whose manifestations are likely to be different on low-gravity, low-radius-of-curvature objects from those on the terrestrial planets. The range of mainbelt asteroid radar albedoes is very broad and implies big variations in regolith porosity or metal concentration, or both. The highest albedo estimate, for 16 Psyche, is consistent with a surface having porosities typical of lunar soil and a composition nearly completely metallic. Therefore, Psyche might be the collisionally stripped core of a differentiated small plant, and might resemble mineralogically the parent bodies of iron meteorites.

Ostro, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Delineation of fault zones using imaging radar

The assessment of earthquake hazards and mineral and oil potential of a given region requires a detailed knowledge of geological structure, including the configuration of faults. Delineation of faults is traditionally based on three types of data: (1) seismicity data, which shows the location and magnitude of earthquake activity; (2) field mapping, which in remote areas is typically incomplete and of insufficient accuracy; and (3) remote sensing, including LANDSAT images and high altitude photography. Recently, high resolution radar images of tectonically active regions have been obtained by SEASAT and Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-A and SIR-B) systems. These radar images are sensitive to terrain slope variations and emphasize the topographic signatures of fault zones. Techniques were developed for using the radar data in conjunction with the traditional types of data to delineate major faults in well-known test sites, and to extend interpretation techniques to remote areas.

Toksoz, M. N.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Shuttle imaging radar-C science plan

The Shuttle Imaging Radar-C (SIR-C) mission will yield new and advanced scientific studies of the Earth. SIR-C will be the first instrument to simultaneously acquire images at L-band and C-band with HH, VV, HV, or VH polarizations, as well as images of the phase difference between HH and VV polarizations. These data will be digitally encoded and recorded using onboard high-density digital tape recorders and will later be digitally processed into images using the JPL Advanced Digital SAR Processor. SIR-C geologic studies include cold-region geomorphology, fluvial geomorphology, rock weathering and erosional processes, tectonics and geologic boundaries, geobotany, and radar stereogrammetry. Hydrology investigations cover arid, humid, wetland, snow-covered, and high-latitude regions. Additionally, SIR-C will provide the data to identify and map vegetation types, interpret landscape patterns and processes, assess the biophysical properties of plant canopies, and determine the degree of radar penetration of plant canopies. In oceanography, SIR-C will provide the information necessary to: forecast ocean directional wave spectra; better understand internal wave-current interactions; study the relationship of ocean-bottom features to surface expressions and the correlation of wind signatures to radar backscatter; and detect current-system boundaries, oceanic fronts, and mesoscale eddies. And, as the first spaceborne SAR with multi-frequency, multipolarization imaging capabilities, whole new areas of glaciology will be opened for study when SIR-C is flown in a polar orbit.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

Goldstone radar observations of Mars: The 1986 opposition

Radar echoes from the planet Mars were obtained on 27 S-band (wavelength = 12.5 cm) and 2 X-band (wavelength = 3.5 cm) tracks using the Goldstone Solar System Radar. These observations took advantage of the favorable 1986 opposition since the Earth-Mars distance was 0.40 AU at opposition and radar echo strength is proportional to inverse-fourth-power of the distance to the target. The coverages of the Goldstone observations are summarized. The observations were conducted via the CW-spectra techniques described by Harmon et al. A continuous tone was transmitted at Mars and the radar echo was sampled to obtain a Doppler spread spectrum. Each received event was separated into polarized (opposite sense circular) and depolarized (same sense circular) periods. There was one successful ranging run which had a resolution of 2 microseconds. This should yield surface heights accurate to 300 meters.

Thompson, T. W.↗