Effects of humidity on sand and dust storm attenuation predictions based on 14 GHz measurement

Abstract

Several models were proposed to predict the attenuation of microwave signals due to sand and dust storms. Those models were developed based on theoretical assumptions like Rayleigh approximation, Mie equations or numerical methods. This paper presents a comparison between attenuation predicted by three different theoretical models with measured attenuation at 14 GHz. Dielectric constant of dust particles is one of the important parameter in prediction models. This constant is estimated from measured dust samples and is utilized for predictions. All models are found largely underestimating the measurement. Humidity is also monitored and has been observed higher during dust storm. Hence dielectric constants are re-estimated with relative humidity conditions using available conversion model. The prediction has a great impact of humidity and predicted attenuations are found much higher in humid than dry dust condition. However, all models underestimate the measurement even considering 100% of relative humidity. Hence it is recommended to investigate the models by considering humidity and other environmental factors that change during dust storm.

Earth and Martian Sand and Dust Storms: A Comprehensive Review of Attenuation Modelling and Measurements

“…This is because finer particles have more surface area, leading to more absorbed water and less free water, resulting in a lower dielectric constant. Some researchers found that millimeter waves are deflected more by dry clayey particles than by dry sandy particles [75]. It is also observed that after absorbing moisture, millimeter waves are more negatively affected by sand particles in humid climates.…”

“…The results of indirect attenuation measurements from studies [129], [208], [209], [210], [211], [212], [214], [200], [149], [137], and [75] are also plotted in Fig. 14…”

Signal Attenuation Prediction Model for a 22 GHz Terrestrial Communication Link in Sudan Due to Dust and Sand Storms Using Machine Learning

“…Humidity was observed to be higher during the dust storm events. Available conversion model is used to incorporate the effect the humidity in the dielectric constant [7]. The predicted attenuation using humid dielectric constant has been found to be much higher than the predicted attenuation using dry dust condition [7].…”

“…Available conversion model is used to incorporate the effect the humidity in the dielectric constant [7]. The predicted attenuation using humid dielectric constant has been found to be much higher than the predicted attenuation using dry dust condition [7]. Wind turbulence during storms also affects the orientation angle of falling sand and dust particles that describes the orientation of a particle's axis of symmetry (or revolution).…”

Modeling and analysis of millimeter-wave propagation in dusty environments

“…High-frequency bands, such as a super-high carrier frequency band (S-band), 3 GHz to 30 GHz, and an extremely high carrier frequency band (E-band), 30 GHz to 300 GHz, are going to be used to be able to fulfill the high data rates demand in the network. Rising frequencies may cause issues to the wireless signals, such as scattering, depolarization, and phase noise [2]- [5].…”