Estimation of the vertical gradient of the atmospheric refractivity from weather radar data using square trihedral corner reflector returns

The aim of this paper is to characterize the atmospheric refractivity variations from radar phase measurements corresponding to responses from different stationary ground-based targets. Phase variations due to the different heights of the targets and the vertical gradient variation of the refractivity are considered. Square trihedral corner reflectors have been used as test targets to remove the uncertainty about the specific position of the targets and enhance the level of the backscattered signal.