EHF Attenuation Through the Melting Layer
Abstract
From 15 March 1986 to 22 May 1986 the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL) conducted an experiment in the greater Boston area to measure attenuation in the Ka-band due to precipitation in storms. Emphasis was placed on attenuation in the melting layer (where mixed phase snow and rain coexist) since some previous work indicated that for a unit pathlength at these frequencies, attenuation in the melting layer could be as much as ten times the attenuation in rain for the same precipitation rate. Total attenuation through the storms was measured by Lincoln Laboratory at Hanscom AFB using the 38.04 GHz beacon on satellite LES-8 which was located over the Pacific Ocean. Meteorological conditions were monitored by weather radars at AFGL/LYR (Sudbury) and at MIT (boston), by cloud physics equipment on the PMS Beech Baron aircraft, by sounding balloons, and by ground based equipment at Sudbury and Hanscom AFB. Results of the analyses will be presented. This work has applications to the effects of clouds and precipitation on satellite communication systems operating in the EHF range.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA199876
Entities
People
- Arnold A. Barnes Jr.
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory