Determination of the range of reflecting structures in the upper atmosphere: a frequency shift experiment

An intensive study into the nature and structure of the reflecting features of the upper atmosphere was investigated by extending, on a short term basis, the wind program to operate in phase coherent, frequency shifted mode. The winds experiment to some extent determines the degree of turbulence in the region and this new experiment aims to extend those studies.

The radar had the frequency shifted over small steps (the equipment was reconfigured) to allow more precise determination of the range of reflecting structures in the upper atmosphere. The frequency shift experiment was run for one week and captured the Polar Mesosphere Summer Echo feature.