Millimeter-wave radar for environmental studies: image processing and interpretation

Summary form only given. This study aims at development of efficient instruments and methods for oil-spill detection and quantification. The developed 36 and 95 GHz cloud radar systems provide real-time measurements of profiles of radar backscatter, Doppler spectrum and Doppler moments. Each radar includes a reliable system of permanent calibration, with a possibility of remote control and opportunity of a network access to the radar data. The calibration system introduced enables one to perform a permanent accurate measurement of reflectivity in terms of dBZ through a measurement of the transmitted power, and radar sensitivity including antenna gain. The developed software package having a client-server architecture supports both remote and local control of radar operation, data acquisition and processing. The radar images can be viewed in a local Ethernet in real time. The Internet access allows viewing the current images and previously stored radar data. The cloud radar systems have demonstrated a high capability for the study of structure and dynamics of various types of clouds, airflow, and precipitation. Results of these measurements are also discussed and compared to those obtained by other instruments