Bistatic Radar Detection of the Melting Layer

Abstract

Recent operation of the Valley Forge-Wallops Island bistatic radar link during two days characterized by light rain and drizzle provided some detailed, bistatically derived information on atmospheric structure in the vicinity of Wallops Island. Data are presented that give unambiguous evidence of the simultaneous bistatic and monostatic radar detection of the melting layer. The height of the melting layer, as measured in the bistatic mode, has been confirmed by both radar backscatter measurements and radiosonde data. Methods used in interpreting forward-scatter data are discussed and approximate values for the layer thickness and reflectivity are derived.