An investigation of the radio refractive conditions in lowest portions of the troposphere near Margalla Hills, Pakistan

Atmospheric refraction is one of the mechanisms through which radio signals propagate in the atmosphere. The refraction of radio signals within atmosphere can be quantitatively investigated using k-factor. For standard atmospheric condition, a value of 4/3 for the k-factor is used for propagation modeling. Weather fluctuates for different places, times and heights, causing changes in the degree of refraction and propagation of radio signals. There is a lack of research work in the calculation of effective earth radius factor or k-factor in Pakistan. The current research has been conducted using two-years' meteorological data from the weather stations around the Margalla Hills. The annual, seasonal and monthly statistics of k-factors are presented. The relevant, comparable values are substantially different from the global average value, as well as those estimated from historic global ITU data. This supports the initial hypothesis that accurate calculation of such parameters is important, which requires latest, local meteorological data. This research will help in minimization of prediction problems related to k-factor values.