Accession Number:

ADP002726

Title:

HF (High Frequency) Over-the-Horizon Mapping of the Greenland Icecap,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

ROME AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER HANSCOM AFB MA ELECTROMAGNETIC SCIENCES DIV

Personal Author(s):

• Sales,G. S.

Report Date:

1983-08-01

Pagination or Media Count:

12.0

Abstract:

Continuous observation of the Greenland area using HF over-the-horizon Sounding system in the North Atlantic region has produced a data base for the analysis of backscatter reflectivity at high frequencies 6-30 MHz from the Greenland Icecap. The proximity of these observations to the auroral region generated the additional complication of excess losses due to D-region absorption. This statistical data base has produced a mapping of th icecap thickness, with backscatter reflectivities that vary from -5 dB to -15 dB below the signals returned from the surrounding sea water. A statistically meaningful daytime absorption of the order of 5 dB was measured over Greenland. At night the significantly increased auroral absorption and atmospheric noise, reduced the systems sensitivity, making mapping impossible. Author

Descriptors:

• *Over the horizon detection
• *Radar mapping
• *Radar cross sections
• *Atmospherics
• *Ice caps
• Greenland
• D region
• Radiation absorption
• Sounding
• Sea water
• Data bases
• Doppler radar
• Aurorae
• Noise
• High frequency
• Day
• Observation
• Statistical data
• Night
• Sensitivity
• Thickness
• Time
• Mapping
• Atmospheres
• Absorption

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE