Variability in propagation path delay for atmospheric remote sensing

One of the most significant factors affecting signals propagating through the electrically neutral lower atmosphere such as troposphere is the atmospheric refractivity. Atmospheric refractivity from water vapour introduces path delay error for signals propagating through this environment. This paper provides an insight into understanding the effects and variability of atmospheric refractivity from water vapour on the path delay. A two dimensional ray tracing algorithm is developed and implemented to incorporate different sensor data to measure the propagation path delay in the troposphere. Statistical analysis has been performed to show the relative dependence and relation between the atmospheric refractivity and path delay. Furthermore path delay comparison of yearly and monthly analysis of the data has been observed.