Theoretical analysis of potential applications of microwave radar for sandstorm detection

Abstract

Based on the Rayleigh scattering theory and the meteorological radar equation, in this research, effective detection range has been proposed theoretically to evaluate the working of microwave radar during electrified dust storms. In this regard, the effects of particles concentration and charge quantity of the dust on the performance of microwave radar were analyzed. The results show that particle charges play an integral role in significantly enhancing the radar echoes which signal dust storms, thus making it possible to use microwave radar for dust storm detection. In addition, numerical simulation results have also illustrated that 35\xa0GHz radar is more suitable for remote detection of the vertical structure of a dust layer. In the end, an inversion analysis method used for building the particle concentration profile through radar has been discussed. This study shall prove to be useful in the development of a new monitoring method in the research of sand storms.