Course Info: The Radar Equations
The Radar Equations
Course Description
The weather radar equations quantitatively describe the process by which an electromagnetic pulse departs a radar antenna, interacts with scatterers in the atmosphere, and then returns to the radar. In this lesson, we derive the radar equations step by step, demystifying each term. Learners will gain a complete understanding of both versions of the radar equation – one version for a single target, and another version for distributed targets – and be able to describe how changes to each variable impact the amount of power the radar receives. These equations inform both the design and use of weather radars and their data.
Intended Audience
The Radar Equations course is intended for undergraduate and graduate students in meteorology and the atmospheric sciences, though any Earth System Science professionals or weather enthusiasts interested in radar meteorology and remote sensing may find the content useful.
Course Access
You can access the course here (MetEd login required).
Questions or Comments?
We welcome any comments or questions you may have regarding the content, instructional approach, or use of this lesson. Please e-mail your comments or questions to Adam Hirsch (ahirsch@ucar.edu). For technical support, please visit our Registration and Support FAQs: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/help