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An alternative look at the aspect sensitivity of auroral radar backscatter: A forward scatter effect

Journal Article · · Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/92JA02265· OSTI ID:6518601
; ; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon (Canada)
  2. Massachusetts Inst. of Technology, Westford (United States)
The authors develop a model of forward scattering off quasi-isotropic irregularities in the D and E regions to help explain the aspect angle sensitivity of auroral backscatter radar observations. Such scattering off small and medium scale irregularities diffuses the radar beams as they propagate to and from the observations regions. The effect can account for the decrease in intensity observed in returning signals. The model is compared to 440 MHz observations from the Millstone Hill data on E layer aspect angle effects.
OSTI ID:
6518601
Journal Information:
Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States) Vol. 98:A5; ISSN JGREA2; ISSN 0148-0227
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English