Sea Breeze Detection with Acoustic Radar

Abstract

A preliminary study on sea breeze fronts has been made at Visakhapatnam using a monostatic acoustic radar situated in the University campus, very near to the sea shore. During the summer of 1980 sea breeze was almost a daily phenomenon at Visakhapatnam, and was usually seen as a well marked distinct change in the character of the acoustic radar records. The increased thermal turbulence associated with the transfer of heat from the surface into the layer of marine air produced enhanced sound scattering up to the height of 150 m. The sea breeze often created an elevated layer usually in the height range 200-500 m. Acoustic backscatter records obtained in May 1980, when the sea breeze was strongest, are presented and discussed in the light of the prevailing weather conditions and previous experimental studies reported from this station.