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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

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Tracking Infiltration Front Depth Using Time-lapse Multi-offset Gathers Collected with Array Antenna Ground Penetrating Radar
Published on: May 1, 2018
Summary
Large radars measure upper atmosphere properties. Recent advancements allow detailed wind and turbulence studies in the stratosphere and mesosphere.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric physics and geophysics
- Remote sensing technologies
Background:
- Large radars have become essential tools for studying the upper atmosphere over the past 20 years.
- Initial applications focused on ionospheric research using Thomson scattering above 100 km.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the evolution and capabilities of large radar systems in atmospheric research.
- To highlight the expansion of radar applications from ionospheric studies to lower atmospheric layers.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Thomson scattering technique for ionospheric measurements.
- Analyzing radar echo power and spectrum for plasma properties.
- Applying advanced radar techniques for wind and turbulence profiling below 100 km.
Main Results:
- Successfully measured electron and ion densities, temperatures, and plasma motion in the ionosphere.
- Obtained height and time-dependent data on ionospheric plasma.
- Enabled measurement of wind speeds and turbulence structure in the stratosphere and mesosphere.
Conclusions:
- Large radar systems offer versatile capabilities for probing diverse atmospheric regions.
- Technological advancements have significantly broadened the scope of radar atmospheric measurements.
- Radar remote sensing is crucial for understanding both the ionosphere and the lower atmosphere.
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