Patent ID: 6388608
Filing Date: 2002-05-14
Classification: G01S,Y02A

Abstract:
A method of detecting turbulence with a weather radar comprising the steps of:scanning a first area using an antenna disposed at a first tilt angle; receiving first radar returns as a result of said step of scanning a first area, said first returns having therein a first horizontal wind velocity component; providing a computer antenna controller coupled to said antenna and automatically adjusting an orientation of said antenna to a second tilt angle; scanning a second area using said antenna disposed at said second tilt angle; receiving second radar returns as a result of said step of scanning a second area, said second returns having therein a second horizontal wind velocity component; adjusting said antenna to a third tilt angle; scanning a third area using said antenna disposed at said third tilt angle; receiving third radar returns as a result of said step of scanning a third area, said third returns having therein a third horizontal wind velocity component; processing said first radar returns, said second radar returns and said third radar returns and making a determination of a magnitude characteristic of a first vertical shear component, a second vertical shear component and a third vertical shear component; removing said first vertical shear component, said second vertical shear component, and said third vertical shear component respectively from said first radar returns, said second radar returns, and said third radar returns; making a turbulence prediction based upon said first radar returns, said second radar returns, and said third radar returns without vertical shear components therein; and, displaying an image in response to said turbulence prediction.