Initial analysis of k-factor in the Gulf region

Abstract

This paper investigates the seasonal variations of effective earth radius factor, k, in the Arabian Gulf region where non-standard propagation phenomena are commonly experienced. The k-factor is derived from the vertical profile of refractivity in the area under study. The vertical refractivity gradient, δN, in the first kilometre of the atmosphere above the ground surface is analysed using long term meteorological data. Long-term radiosonde data gathered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are used to calculate the variations of refractivity gradient and k-factor parameter.