Applications of Ground-based Remote Sensing Techniques

Book excerpt: The development of selected techniques for the remote measurement of winds, shear, turbulence, aerosols, and temperature and moisture profiles has been outlined in some detail. Emphasis has been placed on techniques that may provide high-resolution data in the vicinity of airbases. A representative and fairly extensive list of references to the evolution of the various techniques has been prepared. The FM-CW radar and CO2 pulse Doppler laser have been identified as valuable for low-level wind and shear measurements. Strong downdraft conditions may be identified through use of infrared thermal anomaly detectors. Temperature and moisture profiles may be obtained through a combination of active sounding for profile inflection points and thermal or microwave multichannel radiometry.