A quantitative measure of the degree of anisotropy of turbulence in terms of atmospheric parameters, with particular relevance to radar studies

Anisotropic turbulence and specular reflectors have both been invoked to explain aspect-sensitive radar scatter from the atmosphere. However, conclusions about the dominant type of scatter an usually based on qualitative arguments, and can tend to be somewhat subjective. In this article, we develop a quantitative relation between the degree of anisotropy of turbulence and prevailing atmospheric conditions. This relation is useful in determining whether any particular observation of 'specularity' really can be ascribed to anisotropic atmospheric turbulence, or whether a 'specular reflection' process is in effect. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.