NASA Technical Reports Server (NASA) · 1988 · 11 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesElectrical EngineeringMeteorologyMicrowave EngineeringOcean WavesRadar MeteorologyRadar InstrumentationRadar ReflectivityRadar Signal ProcessingRadar SystemsRadar Wave PropagationWind-driven RainData ProcessingRain AttenuationScatteringSurface Water WavesSurface WavesWave-wind InteractionWind-driven Rain EffectsWind-generated Surface Waves
Results are presented from a laboratory investigation of microwave power return due to rain-generated short waves on a wind wave surface. The wind wave tank, sensor, and data processing methods used in the study are described. The study focuses on the response of a 36-GHz radar system, orientated 30 deg from nadir and pointing upwind, to surface waves generated by various combinations of rain and wind. The results show stronger radar signal levels due to short surface waves generated by rain impacting the wind wave surface, supporting the results of Moore et al. (1979) for a 14-GHz radar.