Abstract
Considers the relationship between clear air turbulence (CAT) and the associated scattering of radio waves, and shows that radar detection is possible using extremely sensitive microwave systems. Successful measurements with such radars support the view that CAT is due to Kelvin-Helmholtz instability which results from a breakdown of highly sheared airflow. Using current radar technology it would be possible to design a ground-based system capable of detecting virtually all CAT within 100 km which might affect an aircraft, but the expense of such a large installation would be high