Time-height cross sections from both TEP and the FMCW radar are compared to spatial images obtained from slices through the TEP volume in the streamwise, cross-stream, and horizontal planes. Vertical streamwise slices display horizontal structures qualitatively similar to those observed in the time-series. Radar reflectivity, which is associated primarily with the refractive index structure parameter, shows variations of 10-20 dB at 100 m horizontal scales. Cross-stream slices show similar morphology, suggesting a degree of isotropy at the scales observable by TEP.
Animations of volumetric slices provide a unique view of the translation of scattering features. However, these sequences also suggest significant evolution of these structures as they are advected. Interpretation is complicated in some cases, when horizontal mean-winds vary in both magnitude and direction with height making it impossible to uniquely define a streamwise direction. Some apparent evolution of structures observed in streamwise slices may be the result of the instantaneous wind having a cross-stream component, advecting structures through the plane of the vertical slice.
Supplementary URL: http://abyss.ecs.umass.edu/tep/