Echo duration and diffusion coefficient measurements using meteor wind radar

The Meteor Wind Radar at Waltair (17°43′N, 83°18′E), India, was operated during June–July 1979 to study the echo durations and diffusion coefficients of underdense meteor trails. These measurements have also been used to evaluate the elevation angles of the specular reflection points. The most probable echo duration and elevation angle for the present system are found to be 60 ms and 23°, respectively. The values of measured diffusion coefficients (log10 D) are found to vary between 4.6 and 5.5 cm2 s−1. The diurnal variation of the diffusion coefficient showed a broad maximum during morning hours and a broad minimum during evening hours. The results are compared with the measurements at other stations.