High-resolution turbulence measurements using the Arecibo S-band radar

A High-Resolution Atmospheric-Radar (HIRAR) computational environment to analyze atmospheric data collected with the Arecibo Observatory (2380 MHz) S-band radar is presented. Modern visualization techniques are employed to display ultra-high resolution radar measurements of clear air turbulence layers and to facilitate the interpretation of the data. Algorithms to infer the intensity of the scattering, the mean wind velocity and the velocity spread of S-band echoes were developed. Results are translated into physical parameters of the atmosphere: position of turbulence layers, vertical velocities and velocity dispersion. Estimates of Doppler widths, with high vertical resolution, are provided graphically for the first time. The potential of the instrument to characterize turbulent processes is demonstrated with the improved data display methods. Data from rawinsonde is integrated to complement the radar information and aid in the physical interpretation stage. HIRAR was implemented using PV-WAVE visual data analysis software, ANSI-C, and XV Image tool. Future planned experiments will be carried out using the developed software.