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

Sand and dust storms (SDS) are significant atmospheric phenomena that have a negative impact on wireless links operating at various frequencies. Specifically, sand and dust (SD) particles produce attenuation in propagating electromagnetic (EM) waves upon impact, which must be measured for the proper functioning of the fade mitigation strategy. The attenuation due to SDS can be reliably evaluated using specialized equipment. However, field experiments have been conducted in only a few locations and for a limited number of link geometries; therefore, the results are not immediately generalizable to all locations. Consequently, various attenuation models based on accessible meteorological data have been developed to provide sufficient inputs for system margin calculations under all environmental conditions. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of an extensive set of Earth SDS attenuation models that differ based on various particle characteristics in terrestrial and space communication. Furthermore, we discuss how variables such as humidity and surface charges carried by the particles are addressed in the literature. We also provide the results of various field studies conducted in many parts of the world under diverse conditions to directly measure the influence of SDS on wireless communication systems. Dust is also a significant meteorological factor in the Martian atmosphere, where it affects the efficiency of the wireless sensor networks used by NASA’s Mars Exploration Project. We explore how attenuation has been extrapolated in the Martian atmosphere. Additionally, we discuss future research challenges in SDS.