A Novel Simple Semi-Empirical Model for the Effective Earth Radius Factor

Author

Palmer, Andrew J. ; Bake, Duncan C.

Author_Institution

Pretoria Univ.

Volume

52

Issue

4

fYear

2006

Firstpage

557

Lastpage

565

Abstract

This paper presents a dual cumulative probability distribution model for predicting the cumulative distribution of the probability that a particular value of the propagation k-factor will be exceeded. The distributions relate to so-called "dry" and "wet" (or "climatic") components. The model is based on meteorological radiosonde data observed over a period of some 11 years and published by other workers. The model is extended by a simple height regression analysis in order to predict the cumulative behavior of the k-factor at different ground level heights in the summer rainfall area of South Africa during different months. Comparisons are made between predicted and observed data. The model may have potential applications in other parts of the world where data on k-factor behavior are scarce

Keywords

broadcasting; probability; radiocommunication; radiowave propagation; rain; tropospheric electromagnetic wave propagation; South Africa; dry component; dual cumulative probability distribution model; effective earth radius factor; k-factor; meteorological radiosonde data; radiowave propagation; regression analysis; summer rainfall area; wet component; Africa; Atmospheric modeling; Earth; Meteorology; Predictive models; Probability distribution; Radio broadcasting; Radiowave propagation; Refractive index; Regression analysis; Effective earth radius; k-factor; radiowave propagation model;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Broadcasting, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9316

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TBC.2006.884737

Filename

4014350