The Oblique Spaced Antenna Method for Measuring the Atmospheric Wind Field

Abstract

A novel extension of the spaced antenna method for VHF/UHF radar and wind profiler applications is introduced in this paper. It is proposed that instead of pointing the spaced antenna beams vertically, off-vertical oblique configuration should be used. It will be, shown that this technique can be used to obtain horizontal wind at independent “points” in the atmosphere without making assumptions about homogeneity or variation of the wind field between these points. Good experimental confirmations are achieved by comparing the results with those derived from the conventional spaced antenna method and the Doppler method. Applications of the proposed technique in measuring kinematic properties of the wind field such as divergence, vorticity, etc., in the atmosphere and the accuracy of these measurements are discussed.