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Abstract
The aim of this work is to produce a theoretical model of the radar power reflection coefficient generated by randomly distributed laminar structures in the vertical.The first steps undertaken in this project are to establish the factors that are responsible for the generation of echo power under specific conditions from VHF radars (such as Bragg and Fresnel scattering). Secondly a computational model is then constructed that implements the notion of scaling exponents developed by Lovejoy et al (2007) in order to populate the macroscopic radar scattering volume with microscopic horizontal sheets of stochastic thickness, which will then replicate the structures seen within the radar backscatter. The concept of random distribution will then be taken further with the application of a fractal structure to the layers, the dimensionality of which is to be determined from previous data, which may be a function of the classification of air mass present. The reconstruction of the observed radar received power will furthermore allow the retrieval of the stratification in temperature and humidity. This would then allow a new level of data retrieval possible from the UK's MST radar that is located at Capel Dewi, Wales. The ultimate goal of this work would be to assimilate the retrieved temperature and humidity profiles in to numerical weather models, with a view to improve short term forecasting.