Calibration of Jicamarca radar using F-region incoherent scatter for measurements of D-region backscatter RCS

This thesis presents calibrated radar measurements of absolute backscatter cross sections of mesospheric radar echoes observed at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory in Perú. Radar system calibration is accomplished by simulating the propagation of transmitted and backscattered radio waves through the ionosphere and comparing the simulated power returns to the measurements. The forward model used in the calibration algorithm is based on magnetoionic theory, incoherent scatter radar theory, and antenna theory. Based on comparison with published results, as well as with crude estimates, we conclude that the forward model accurately represents propagation in the ionosphere, and that backscatter cross sections are consistent with power measurements at Jicamarca.Nation Science Foundation grant NSF ATM 04-22661U of I OnlyThesis was digitized by patron request. Patron was not the author of the Master's Thesis, so we do not have permission from the author to make it openly available