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Chasing high flying insects with radar
June 26, 2002New developments to vertical looking radar (VLR) mean that scientists at Rothamsted, Harpenden are now tracking insects to find out where they go and how they behave when they take to the skies.
"The sheer abundance of insects is amazing," says Dr Alan Smith of Rothamsted Radar Entomology Unit. "The actual biomass of insects above us on a summer`s day is enormous and the height at which they fly may be up to 600 metres."
The vertical radar can measure the size and wing beat of individual insects up to one kilometre up, and tell which way they are flying. By comparing this data with trapped specimens the team can identify what species are travelling and at what altitudes. The aim is to better understand how agricultural pests and their predators migrate. Eventually it is hoped that the radar tracking system will be able to give regular advance warnings to farmers of imminent potential pest attacks.
The radar will be demonstrated to the public for the first time at the Royal Society`s Summer Science Exhibition (2-4 July 2002 at the Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London) and at the Tomorrow`s world roadshow (Earl`s Court, 10-13th July).
IACR Rothamsted
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