Säätutka

Säätutka, also known as weather radar, is a specialized radar system used to locate precipitation, calculate its motion, and estimate its type. It operates by transmitting microwave signals towards precipitation formations and then receiving the signals that are reflected back from the precipitation. The time delay between transmission and reception is used to determine the range of the precipitation, while the Doppler shift in the frequency of the returned signal is used to estimate the motion of the precipitation.

Weather radars are typically mounted on tall towers or buildings to provide a clear line of sight to the sky. They are used by meteorological services to monitor and forecast weather conditions, and by aviation authorities to provide air traffic control with information about weather hazards. Säätutka can detect a variety of precipitation types, including rain, snow, and hail, and can provide information about the intensity and distribution of precipitation.

There are several types of weather radars, including continuous wave (CW) radars, pulsed radars, and Doppler radars. CW radars transmit a continuous wave of microwave energy and measure the phase shift of the returned signal to determine the range of the precipitation. Pulsed radars transmit short bursts of microwave energy and measure the time delay between transmission and reception to determine the range of the precipitation. Doppler radars, on the other hand, measure the Doppler shift in the frequency of the returned signal to estimate the motion of the precipitation.

Weather radars are an essential tool for weather forecasting and aviation safety, and have been in use for over 70 years. They have evolved significantly over the years, with advances in technology leading to more accurate and reliable measurements of precipitation. Today, weather radars are an integral part of modern weather forecasting and aviation safety systems.