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Instrument

FMCW Radar
Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Radar

Frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radars measure the distance and velocity of moving objects simultaneously. They constantly vary their operating frequency while collecting data, which allows them to measure very short ranges of the target. FMCW radars provide high-resolution distance readings and faster update rates than pulsed radars. They can work in different weather conditions and have been used to study snow and ice properties, ocean currents, and precipitation.

NASA's DC-8 flying laboratory passes Antarctica's tallest peak, Mount Vinson, on Oct. 22, 2012, during a flight over the continent to measure changes in the massive ice sheet and sea ice. Credit: NASA/Michael Studinger (Photography courtesy NASA Images)

Instrument Details

Radar
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar > Radar Reflectivity
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar > Doppler Velocity
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