Re: Another example
Posted by Tim_NC on 2/25/2011, 9:52 pm
Anomalies on a weather radar....imagine that. A bigger challenge would be to find a low pressure system that DIDN'T show radar anomalies. (As if there's actually such a thing as "normal" for radar returns from a massive low pressure system.)

Besides the natural fluid turbidity of a stormy atmosphere, there's the topography of the underlying landmass wreaking havoc on temperature, air flow, and precipitation fields. Localized anomalies are de rigeur.

And yes, microwaves (radar beams) do bounce of plasma; but from my experience with operating radar in Alaska, no one would ever confuse the Northern Lights with precipitation!

If a radar set was sensing a plasma field, it would display it all the way to its height maximum. In effect, you'd have a 100,000 foot tall rain slot. (In practice, you get a 100,000 foot high "interference field" easily distinguishable from anything else seen on the screen.)

Tim in NC



20
In this thread:
Significant Active Region Emerging on Sun - JAC, 2/23/2011, 6:11 am
< Return to the front page of the: message board | monthly archive this page is in
Post A Reply
This thread has been archived and can no longer receive replies.