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SODAR

Mini Sound Detection and Ranging

Baseline Instrument, Guest

The SODAR (Sonic Detection and Ranging) wind profiler measures wind profiles and backscattered signal strength between (nominally) 15 meters (m) and 500 m.

It transmits acoustic energy into the atmosphere in multiple directions and measures the strength and frequency of backscattered energy. The strength of the backscattered signal is determined by the strength of temperature inhomogeneities with size on the order of 10 centimeters (cm). Assuming the scattering elements in the atmosphere are moving with the mean wind, the horizontal wind field can be derived.

The ARM Mobile Facility (AMF) has a system developed by Scintec, Inc. that transmits a sequence of frequencies to enhance signal determination.

Locations

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Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) | Reviewed October 2024