Stochastic Parabolic Equation for the Radio Wave Propagation Modeling in Uncertain Tropospheric Ducts

A stochastic parabolic equation method has been developed that allows to take into account a random refractive index with a known probability distribution. The expected value and dispersion of the radio wave amplitude for various propagation conditions are computed and analyzed. Typical refractive index profiles are considered: surface duct, elevated duct, evaporation duct. It is shown that the results of stochastic modeling can differ significantly from the results obtained by the usual deterministic method. The difference can exceed 15 dB. Nevertheless, the qualitative picture remains similar, which demonstrates the usefulness of computer modeling even under conditions of strong refractive index uncertainty.