Application of Satellite Imagery to the Assessment and Exploitation of Oceanic Electromagnetic Ducting

摘要

The nature of the vertical and horizontal properties of the atmospheric refractive index and its effects upon modern electromagnetic systems are described. The methodology and constraints associated with refractive effects prediction in a task force environment are also addressed. Satellite imagery of occurrences of amateur radio tropospheric communications between California and Hawaii is used to identify significant meteorological features of the trans-Pacific ducting environment. Utilization of satellite imagery to provide large scale oceanic synoptic data in conjunction with near real-time refractive effects assessment appear to provide the modern task force commander with the quantitative data required for tactical exploitation of the ducting environment. (Author)