An airborne radar technique for studying insect migration

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Abstract
An airborne radar system able to measure insect density profiles and the orientation of individual insect targets was developed using standard components. Using the system, typical moth targets, with a radar cross-section of 1 cm2, can be detected to a range of about 1 km. Signals from 48 separate height bands, each 15 m deep, are recorded on three analogue data channels. Analogue outputs related to aerial population per hectare can be viewed in real-time. Signals recorded during recent field work show an inclined layer over a track length of 30 km, with target orientation profiles at two positions along the layer. The strongest orientation occurred in regions of wind shear. Airborne entomological radar powerfully complements existing techniques by virtue of its mobility, providing unique opportunities to study the spatial organization of migration, to track features as they develop and to survey large areas.

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