Remote Detection of Turbulence via ADS-B

Abstract

In this paper, we research the feasibility of using high rate Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) aircraft altitude and velocity information to detect the presence of mountain waves and Mountain Wave Turbulence (MWT) in the vicinity of steep terrain as well as atmospheric waves and turbulence from other sources that are of interest to aviation, for instance, Convective Induced Turbulence (CIT). The key element of ADS-B that enables the research is a 1 second update rate on ADS-B position reports, and aircraft position and altitude being reported based on Global Positioning System (GPS) accuracy. This frequency is much faster than today’s standard of reporting meteorological data via the Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) or Meteorological Data Collection and Reporting System (MDCRS), and as we show, is fast enough to estimate the location of mountain wave events, MWT, and CIT. When combined with other weather state information gained by in situ sensors, satellite, and radar-based technology in the National Airspace System (NAS), a total situational awareness of mountain wave, MWT, and CIT information in the Continental United States (CONUS) can be achieved for supporting airline flight planning and Air Traffic Management (ATM) decision making.