Estimation of Radio Horizon Distance Using Measured Meteorological Parameters over Some Selected Locations in Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, results of the variation of maximum and minimum radio horizon distance derived from the computation of surface refractivity through measurement of temperature, relative humidity and pressureacrosssevenlocations((Akure (7.15°N, 5.12°E), Lagos (6.30°N, 3.20°E), Abuja (7.10°N, 9.25°E), Jos (9.50°N, 8.50°E), Makurdi (7.30°N,8.53°E), Port-Harcourt(4.20°N,7.00°E), and Nsukka (6.90°N,7.67°E)) in Nigeria are presented. Two years (Jan., 2011–Dec., 2012) archived data as provided by Tropospheric Data Acquisition Network (TRODAN) of the Centre for Atmospheric Research Anyigba, Kogi State were utilized for the study. Results showed that the values of surface refractivity (Ns) were low during the dry season months and high during the wet season months and also there was high value of NS at the coastal areas compared with the inland areas. It was also deduced that the mean value of NS for Abuja, Akure, Jos, Lagos, Markurdi, Nsukka and Port-Harcourt is 355, 362, 303, 391, 375, 361 and 399 N-units respectively. Results showed that the Radio Horizon Distance (RDH) values were generally low during the wet season months and high during the dry season months. The variability of radio horizon distance of transmitting antennas is higher in the Northern part of Nigeria than the southern part.