radar meteorology

(meteorology) The study of the scattering of radar waves by all types of atmospheric phenomena and the use of radar for making weather observations and forecasts.

The application of radar to the study of the atmosphere and to the observation and forecasting of weather. Meteorological radars transmit electromagnetic waves at microwave and radio-wave frequencies. Water and ice particles, inhomogeneities in the radio refractive index associated with atmospheric turbulence and humidity variations, insects, and birds scatter radar waves. The backscattered energy received at the radar constitutes the returned signal. Meteorologists use the amplitude, phase, and polarization state of the backscattered energy to deduce the location and intensity of precipitation, the wind speed along the direction of the radar beam, and precipitation type (for example, rain or hail). See also Meteorological radar; Radar; Weather forecasting and prediction.

Much of the understanding of the structure of storms derives from measurements made with networks of Doppler radars. They are used to investigate the complete three-dimensional wind fields associated with storms, fronts, and other meteorological phenomena. See also Precipitation (meteorology); Storm; Storm detection.