The Effect of Meteorological Conditions on the Trade Wind Duct and Related Radio Wave Propagation

摘要

The horizontal extent and the intensity of the Trade Wind Inversion are controlled by meteorological conditions. The subtropical area of the Caribbean is influenced by subsiding air which tends to produce a temperature inversion around one kilometer above the sea surface. The vertical transport of water vapor is thereby inhibited and a boundary forms along the inversion with moist air below and dry air above. The index of radio refraction therefore decreases rapidly with height through this layer to form an elevated duct. The meteorological situation controlling the characteristics of this duct varies from the normal high pressure condition. Interest is therefore centered on the variability of the inversion layer as affected by weather systems and local geographical conditions. (Author)