A Model for High Frequency Radar Auroral Clutter

• Main Author: Elkins, Terence J.
• Other Authors: ROME AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER GRIFFISS AFB NY
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1980
• Subjects: Atmospheric Physics; Active & Passive Radar Detection & Equipment; Radiofrequency Wave Propagation; *OVER THE HORIZON DETECTION; *IONOSPHERIC PROPAGATION; *RADAR CLUTTER; *AURORAE; TABLES(DATA); IONOSPHERIC MODELS; ULTRAHIGH FREQUENCY; VERY HIGH FREQUENCY; DOPPLER EFFECT; AXIAL FLOW; IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES; BACKSCATTERING; PLASMAS(PHYSICS); HIGH FREQUENCY; GEOMAGNETISM; POLAR REGIONS; PE61102F; WURADC2305J201; polar fox
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA091049; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA091049

A model is developed to permit estimation of the effects of irregularities in the auroral ionosphere in producing clutter experienced by Over-The Horizon radars operating at high geomagnetic latitudes. The model is used on various sources of data, including auroral radar (HF, VHF, UHF), vertical incidence ionosondes, satellite particle detectors, and optical sensors (ground-based and satellite-borne). The model addresses both the amplitude and Doppler components of auroral radar clutter and also the effect of ionospheric refraction that is extremely important at high frequencies. Consideration is given to the question of predictability of the effects of auroral clutter on HF radar systems. An important component of the model is the incorporation of data from the Polar Fox II experiment conducted for the purpose of evaluating auroral clutter effects on OTH radars.