A scheme to detect the intensity of dusty weather by applying microwave radars and lidar

Abstract

Detection of the intensity of dusty weather is critical for weather forecasting. In this paper, the effective detection ranges of microwave radars and lidar in dusty weather of different intensities were theoretically calculated, which are validated by the microwave radar and lidar detection data in real dusty weather. Further, the excess charges carried by suspended dust and relative humidity can significantly enhance the echo power but have little effect on the effective detection ranges in dusty weather. Based on the effective detection ranges of microwave radars and lidar, a scheme of combined microwave radars and lidar to detect the intensity of dusty weather is proposed, that is to detect the severe dust storm by using the longer wavelength radar, while to detect the blowing dust/floating dust by using lidar. It will be a cost-saving way by using the existing meteorological radars to establish the detection scheme, which will make the precaution against disastrous weather promising.