On the statistical distribution of clear air effects and the implication on microwave radio communication links in Nigeria

摘要

The impact of anomalous propagation such as sub refraction, super refraction and ducting on terrestrial paths is of great importance for microwave links. In this paper, 5 years (2009-2013) of measurement of climatological parameters such as pressure, temperature and relative humidity among others, at the ground surface and at the first 100 m altitude over five locations across Nigeria (Akure, Minna, Enugu, Jos and Sokoto) are analyzed to ascertain their impact on microwave communication links in Nigeria. The results revealed that different locations have different average values of fe-factor at different seasons. Hence, we can conclude that the fixed value of 1.33 recommended by the ITU may either underestimate or overestimate k-factor value in Nigeria. The overall results also show a prevalence of sub-refraction in the arid region and super-refraction in the coastal region of Nigeria.