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Clear‐air propagation on line‐of‐sight radio paths: A review
Author(s) -
Stephansen Erik T.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1029/rs016i005p00609
Subject(s) - multipath propagation , radio propagation , radio propagation model , wave propagation , duct (anatomy) , computer science , line of sight , atmospheric refraction , radio wave , mathematical model , radio link protocol , sound propagation , atmospheric model , atmospheric models , statistical physics , meteorology , acoustics , physics , optics , telecommunications , aerospace engineering , wireless , ionosphere , geophysics , engineering , medicine , channel (broadcasting) , pathology , quantum mechanics
Recent progress in theoretical and experimental work on clear air propagation on line‐of‐sight paths is reviewed. Descriptions of the physical mechanisms involved, illustrations of the variability in time and in space of the phenomena, and descriptions of the modeling of the propagation are addressed. Absorption by atmospheric gases is dealt with briefly. Refractive index structures are mentioned as background information. Theoretical and experimental studies of the physical modeling of multipath propagation conditions are dealt with in a detailed form. Various examples of multipath parameters modeling measured propagation conditions are presented. Aspects of statistical descriptions of multipath characteristics are also treated. Impacts on radio communications systems are mentioned. Attention is called to the difference between physical models of the propagation behavior and simplified models relating statistical characteristics. Duct theory and duct propagation characteristics are described. Examples of valuable statistical descriptions of radiometeorological data are mentioned. Other clear air effects are mentioned briefly. Theoretical and experimental progress in the description of low elevation angle propagation is also included. Finally, a number of areas for further work are pointed out. It should be noted that the aspects of cross polarization are not included, as they are dealt with elsewhere.