Rain Height Statistics Based on 0°C Isotherm Height Using TRMM Precipitation Data for Earth-Space Satellite Links in Nigeria

Joseph Sunday Ojo

doi:10.1155/2014/798289

Abstract

In the prediction of attenuation due to precipitation related phenomena, the 0°C isotherm height plays a vital role. In this paper, 2 years of precipitation data obtained from the Tropical Rain Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite had been analyzed to establish the distribution of rain height based on 0°C isotherm heights over six locations in Nigeria. Probability of exceedance of rain heights in each of the locations was compared between the two seasons in Nigeria. Rain heights distribution was also compared with the ITU-R P.839 recommendation. The overall results show seasonal, rainfall type’s dependence and overestimation of the rain height predicted by the ITU for Nigeria.

Highlights

As the satellite communication link continues to expand its bandwidths for higher data rates, among others, system performances can be marred by the increased propagation challenges at these higher frequency ranges
There are a number of propagation mechanisms affecting Earth-space satellite communications that are a major concern in the system design
Rain-induced attenuation has been identified to cause the most serious degradation to system performances of both terrestrial and satellite links operating at frequencies above 10 GHz [3,4,5]

Summary

Introduction

As the satellite communication link continues to expand its bandwidths for higher data rates, among others, system performances can be marred by the increased propagation challenges at these higher frequency ranges. There are a number of propagation mechanisms affecting Earth-space satellite communications that are a major concern in the system design. These include gaseous attenuation, cloud and fog attenuation, and rain and ice attenuation [1, 2]. Among the meteorological parameters needed for prediction method is the annual average of the 0∘C isotherm height. This 0∘C isotherm height is the height in the stratiform type of rain where the frozen hydrometeors begin to change state into liquid rain due to temperature difference [3, 6]. The annual average, year-to-year variability, probability distribution levels, and seasonal variation of 0∘C isotherm height derived from TRMM-PR data for some locations in Nigeria are presented

Climatology of Nigeria and Source of Data

Findings

Conclusion