Calibration error represents a significant source of uncertainty in quantitative applications of ground-based radar (GR) reflectivity data. Correcting it requires knowledge of the true reflectivity at well-defined locations and times during a volume scan. Previous work has demonstrated that observations from certain spaceborne radar (SR) platforms may be suitable for this purpose. Specifically, the Ku-band precipitation radars on board the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite and its successor, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission Core Observatory satellite together provide nearly two decades of well-calibrated reflectivity measurements over low-latitude regions (±35°). However, when comparing SR and GR reflectivities, great care must be taken to account for differences in instrument sensitivity and frequency, and to ensure that the observations are spatially and temporally coincident. Here, a volume-matching method, developed as part of the ground validation network for GPM, is adapted and used to quantify historical calibration errors for three S-band radars in the vicinity of Sydney, Australia. Volume-matched GR–SR sample pairs are identified over a 7-yr period and carefully filtered to isolate reflectivity differences associated with GR calibration error. These are then used in combination with radar engineering work records to derive a piecewise-constant time series of calibration error for each site. The efficacy of this approach is verified through comparisons between GR reflectivities in regions of overlapping coverage, with improved agreement when the estimated errors are removed.

Abstract. The quiet-time coherent backscatter from the Fregion observed by the Tasman International Geospace Environment Radar (TIGER) Bruny Island HF radar is analysed statistically in order to determine typical trends and controlling factors in the ionospheric echo occurrence. A comparison of the F-region peak density values from the IRI-2007 model and ionosonde measurements in the vicinity of the radar's footprint shows a very good agreement, particularly at subauroral and auroral latitudes, and model densities within the radar's footprint are used in the following analyses. The occurrence of F-region backscatter is shown to exhibit distinct diurnal, seasonal and solar cycle variations and these are compared with model trends in the F-region peak electron density and Pedersen conductance of the underlying ionosphere. The solar cycle effects in occurrence are demonstrated to be strong and more complex than a simple proportionality on a year-to-year basis. The diurnal and seasonal effects are strongly coupled to each other, with diurnal trends exhibiting a systematic gradual variation from month to month that can be explained when both electron density and conductance trends are considered. During the night, the echo occurrence is suggested to be controlled directly by the density conditions, with a direct proportionality observed between the occurrence and peak electron density. During the day, the echo occurrence appears to be controlled by both conductance and propagation conditions. It is shown that the range of echo occurrence values is smaller for larger conductances and that the electron density determines what value the echo occurrence takes in that range. These results suggest that the irregularity production rates are significantly reduced by the highly conducting E layer during the day while F-region density effects dominate during the night.

Performance of the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) HF radars during geomagnetic storms is investigated by analyzing the data collected during storm events over a 5‐year period. Changes in the occurrence of F region HF backscatter observed by the 6 most equatorward radars are analyzed statistically using a superposed epoch analysis method with respect to a Storm Sudden Commencement (SSC). Regular diurnal variations of the echo occurrence during geomagnetically quiet days are produced and the amount of detected backscatter during storms is adjusted using quiet time curves. All radars considered in this study show a significant decrease in the number of detected echoes approximately 24 hours following SSC. Unexpected significant changes in occurrence levels are also present within a few hours of SSC, with most radars observing an increase in the amount of backscatter detected. The typical time evolution of F region echo occurrence is highly reminiscent of that of the electron density reported previously. Also considered is the ionospheric convection response to SSC observed by the zonally looking SuperDARN Unwin radar in New Zealand. It is shown that the initial response to SSC is instantaneous within uncertainty and appears to be independent of the magnetic latitude and local time. The observed convection response timing and morphology are discussed in the context of possible ionospheric propagation mechanisms.

[1] A new antenna layout for a Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) HF radar has been developed. The new layout utilizes two auxiliary arrays; one behind and one in front of the main array, rather than the single auxiliary array that existing radars use. The rear auxiliary array consists of three antennas providing beam-steering capability while the front auxiliary array consists of a single antenna. This layout is expected to greatly improve the calculation of elevation angle of arrival. Simulations presented show the advantages and disadvantages of using twin-terminated folded dipole (TTFD) antennas and log-periodic dipole arrays in standard and modified SuperDARN array configurations. TTFD antennas are shown to have superior front-to-back ratio and beam-steering capability but suffer from shadowing effects due to the presence of corner reflectors. Impedance-matching techniques used in SuperDARN radars are discussed, and the results of a new matching method, exhibiting a superior voltage standing-wave ratio over the SuperDARN frequency band, are presented. Shadowing of the main array by the front auxiliary array is investigated, and it is shown that the impact of the front array on the main array gain pattern is significantly less for the case of a single front antenna than for a four-antenna front array. Radar phase calibration techniques are discussed, and it is proposed that the additional single-antenna front array be used for system-wide radar phase calibration. An algorithm for the determination of elevation angle of arrival using the new layout is also given.

[1] Calculations have been developed for the determination of elevation angle of arrival for a modified Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) HF radar antenna layout consisting of dual auxiliary interferometer arrays: one behind and one in front of the main array. These calculations show that such a layout removes the 2 ambiguity or angle-of-arrival aliasing effect observed in existing SuperDARN HF radars. Ray tracing and simulation results are presented which show that there is significant potential for aliasing with existing SuperDARN radars and the standard interferometer algorithm under routine operating conditions. Citation: McDonald, A. J., J. Whittington, S. de Larquier, E. Custovic, T. A. Kane, and J. C. Devlin (2013), Elevation angle-of-arrival determination for a standard and a modified superDARN HF radar layout, Radio Sci., 48,[709][710][711][712][713][714][715][716][717][718][719][720][721]