Backscattering characteristics of millimeter wave radar in sand and dust storms

Abstract

The backscatter properties of millimeter wave radar in sand and dust storms have been addressed. An expression for signal attenuation of millimeter wave radar is derived in terms of visibility and frequency. The results show that the values calculated by the proposed model are in good agreement with those obtained by Goldhirsh’s model and Alhaider’s formula. The general formulas of the backscatter power and equivalent scattering cross-section through sandstorms, suitable for any particle size distribution, are developed in terms of radar range, visibility, and wave attenuation. The results of the calculation show that the equivalent scattering cross-section increases with the increase of radar range less than 35 km, whereas the echo power decreases with the increase of radar range. It is confirmed that the equivalent scattering cross-section and echo power decrease rapidly as the radar range increases for the lower visibility, and decrease slowly with the increase of radar range for the bigger visibility. It is found that the particle size distribution is one major factor which will affect the backscattering properties of millimeter wave radar in sand and dust storms.

Keywords:

• sand and dust storms
• backscattering
• attenuation
• millimeter

Funding

This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 61102018], [grant number 61271110].