|
NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) obtains weather information
(precipitation and wind) based upon returned energy. The radar emits
a burst of energy. If the energy strikes an object (rain drop, bug,
bird, etc), the energy is scattered in all directions. A small
fraction of that scattered energy is directed back toward the radar.
This reflected signal is then received by the radar during its
listening period. Computers analyze the strength of the returned
pulse, time it took to travel to the object and back, and phase
shift of the pulse. This process of emitting a signal, listening for
any returned signal, then emitting the next signal, takes place very
fast, up to around 1300 times each second. |
|
Click here for a looped image of this radar
Click here to find other radars around the
United States |
