Refractivity‐From‐Clutter Capable, Software‐Defined, Coherent‐on‐Receive Marine Radar
Joshua Compaleo, Caglar Yardim, Luyao Xu
Abstract
Abstract Refractivity‐from‐clutter (RFC) is a technique for remote sensing of the lowest portion of vertical atmospheric refractivity profile, particularly evaporation and surface‐based ducts. It uses the sea‐surface backscattered radar signal to estimate the ducting conditions. The Lower Atmospheric Propagation (LATPROP) radar is a software‐defined, coherent‐on‐receive remote sensing system built on a low‐cost, commercial off‐the‐shelf marine radar platform operating at 9.41 GHz. The system is designed to specifically operate as a RFC‐capable platform sensitive to low clutter power returns from the sea surface. This paper examines the appropriate radar design, system modifications, and radar signal processing steps, and provides a comparison with existing RFC‐capable systems. The LATPROP system was deployed during the Coupled Air‐Sea Processes and electromagnetic Ducting Research West Campaign that took place off of the coast of Southern California during October 2017 and was shown to accurately capture the effects of the ducting conditions.