The Atmospheric Imaging Radar: Simultaneous Volumetric Observations Using a Phased Array Weather Radar

作者：Bradley Isom, Robert D. Palmer, Redmond Kelley, John Meier, David M. Bodine, Mark Yeary, Boon Leng Cheong, Yan Zhang, Tian‐You Yu, Michael I. Biggerstaff · 发表于：Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology · 年份：2013 · DOI：10.1175/jtech-d-12-00063.1 · 被引用次数：121 · 研究领域：Precipitation Measurement and Analysis、Soil Moisture and Remote Sensing、Radio Wave Propagation Studies

Abstract Mobile weather radars often utilize rapid-scan strategies when collecting observations of severe weather. Various techniques have been used to improve volume update times, including the use of agile and multibeam radars. Imaging radars, similar in some respects to phased arrays, steer the radar beam in software, thus requiring no physical motion. In contrast to phased arrays, imaging radars gather data for an entire volume simultaneously within the field of view (FOV) of the radar, which is defined by a broad transmit beam. As a result, imaging radars provide update rates significantly exceeding those of existing mobile radars, including phased arrays. The Advanced Radar Research Center (ARRC) at the University of Oklahoma (OU) is engaged in the design, construction, and testing of a mobile imaging weather radar system called the atmospheric imaging radar (AIR). Initial tests performed with the AIR demonstrate the benefits and versatility of utilizing beamforming techniques to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution. Specifically, point target analysis was performed using several digital beamforming techniques. Adaptive algorithms allow for improved resolution and clutter rejection when compared to traditional techniques. Additional experiments were conducted during two severe weather events in Oklahoma. Several digital beamforming methods were tested and analyzed, producing unique, simultaneous multibeam measurements using the AIR.