Coherent- and incoherent-scatter radar

The ionized regions of the atmosphere were studied using high power backscatter radars at VHF and UHF frequencies were studied. The first year of data from the Urbana coherent-scatter radar were analyzed. It is suggested that the VHF scattered power profile from the mesosphere over Urbana depends on the existence of short vertical wave length tidal components to generate turbulence. Short period altitude and amplitude variations are believed to be due to gravity wave interacting with the tidal components.