5/22/2014 How Does the Doppler Radar Work

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How Does the Doppler Radar Work
A Doppler radar is an instrument used to measure the velocity and direction of a moving object, with
the help of electromagnetic waves. It works on the principle of Doppler effect, and was invented in
1904 by Christian Hlsmeyer, while detecting a distant ship in a foggy climate. However, one major
drawback of this device was the inability to estimate the object distance. In the early 1940s, modern
versions of Doppler radars were discovered.
There are many types of Doppler radars like Continuous
Wave, Coherent Pulsed, etc. The basic principle behind the
working of this device, is to measure the radial velocity of the
echoes, that are generated from the target areas. They are
used in several technological aspects like satellite sounding,
weather forecasting, traffic surveillance, military services, air
traffic control, and radiology. Following is a brief discussion on
how a Doppler radar works.
Working
There are two basic phenomena that are being used, viz., the
Doppler effect and the radar. The Doppler effect was
discovered by Christian Doppler, an Austrian scientist in 1842.
It is the process by which the wave frequency for an observer changes with respect to the direction of
movement of the waves source.
In case of waves that travel in a medium (for example, sound waves), the overall effect depends on
the motion of the source, medium, and the observer. In the case of waves without a medium (for
example, light), only the velocity difference between the observer and the source is taken into
consideration.
Radars, on the other hand, are systems that make use of transmitters for generating electromagnetic
waves: either microwaves or radio waves. These waves after landing on objects, are reflected back in
the same direction of the transmitter, which perceives them. Though the reflected signals are
generally weaker than the generated waves, they can be amplified and/or displayed by means of
sophisticated machines. Thus, radars can detect objects (either stationary or moving), which are
located in far-off areas.
Doppler radars are the best equipment used for detecting rainfall and/or forecasting weather of a
particular area. While detecting rain, the Doppler radar sends out radio waves from the antenna,
which are reflected back to the transmitter. The frequency of the reflected waves depends on whether
the object(s) (for example, cloud, raindrops, hailstones) is moving away from the antenna or towards
it. In the former case, the frequency will be low; whereas, in the latter case, it will be high.
Whatever may be the outcome of the reflected frequencies, all weather radars are installed with
equipment that effectively convert the radio waves into pictures, which display the object position,
intensity of precipitation, and even a change in the wind direction. The location of the objects is
calculated by determining the time required for the waves, to bounce back to the transmitter.
5/22/2014 How Does the Doppler Radar Work
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By Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Last Updated: September 26, 2011
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