Simulated and measured X-band radar reflectivity of land in mountainous terrain using a fan-beam antenna

A computer program for meteorological radar siting, previously developed for pencil-beam antenna, long-range, C-band radars, has been adapted for fan-beam antenna, short-range, X-band radars. The simulator uses topographic information in the form of a raster digital elevation model and a surface backscattering cross-section per unit area at grazing angles derived from the literature. It is independent of specific radar sites and radar systems. Its use will enhance optimized scanning strategies, antenna design tailored to mountainous terrain and knowledge of land-clutter measurements at low grazing angles. The rasterbased approach used in implementing the program makes it compatible with any desired spatial resolution. Simplicity and short simulation times have been pursued as primary goals during the planning and implementation phases of the routines. A preliminary validation of the simulator using backscattering data acquired in the Alps is presented in this letter.