Radar for atmospheric sciences: MF/HF and MST radars

Abstract

The MF/HF partial reflection and MST radar techniques are among the most potent of the ground-based techniques which, in the recent years, have greatly contributed in advancing the understanding of the various aspects of the structure and dynamics of the middle atmosphere. The two radar techniques and the relevant scattering mechanisms for signal return are reviewed in detail, and sample observations are presented for each. In reviewing, a somewhat greater accent is placed on the MST radar in view of a major facility of its kind being currently under development at Tirupati (13 deg N, 79 deg E). The potential of the Indian MST radar for high resolution studies of the low latitude middle atmosphere and its possible applications for coherent and incoherent backscatter studies of the upper atmosphere are outlined.