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Introduction to SODAR and RASS-Wind Profiler Radar Systems

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Integrated Ground-Based Observing Systems
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Abstract

This chapter introduces the basic principles of radio-acoustic active devices devoted to the observations of atmospheric temperature and wind profiles. In the first part, the Doppler radar technique is presented and a brief history of the use of radars in the study of the atmosphere is reviewed. The concepts leading to the radar equation are given, and the methods for wind and temperature measurements are discussed. In particular, the derivation of mean radial motion, wind shear, turbulence parameters, and boundary layer structure from the zeroth, first, and second moment of the Doppler spectrum is explained. Furthermore, this chapter introduces the instruments wind profiler radar, Radio Acoustic Sounding System (RASS), and SOund Detection And Ranging (SODAR).

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Correspondence to Laura Bianco .

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Bianco, L. (2011). Introduction to SODAR and RASS-Wind Profiler Radar Systems. In: Cimini, D., Visconti, G., Marzano, F. (eds) Integrated Ground-Based Observing Systems. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-12968-1_4

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