Clutter forecast - a synthesis of mesoscale numerical weather prediction and empirical site specific radar clutter models

Abstract

This paper introduces a new model approach that derives three-dimensional refractivity profiles from mesoscale numerical weather prediction (MSNWP), applies them to parabolic equation propagation models, and combines them with empirical surface clutter reflectivity to generate a more realistic model of surface clutter. Realistic site specific clutter models must be faithful to the energy propagation to the surfaces that are responsible for the return clutter power; it is not good enough to maintain validated databases of reflectivities, however important that empirical data might be. This synthesis of MSNWP and radar clutter models can provide clutter and propagation forecasts to military planners, retroactive prediction of propagation for clutter test data analysis, and realistic models for radar system design and performance analysis.