Effect of soil textural class and relative humidity of regions in accurate prediction of attenuation of millimeter waves during sand and dust storms

This paper presents the importance of knowledge of soil textural class and relative humidity of desert and arid regions in accurate prediction of attenuation of millimeter waves during sand and dust storms. The moistness of sand/dust particles depends upon the relative humidity of the atmosphere. The dry clayey particles affects the millimeter waves more than the dry sandy particles, whereas in a humid climate sand particles after absorbing moisture affect the millimeter waves more severely. Calculations for attenuation have been carried out using Rayleigh and Mie theories at millimeter wave frequencies. It has been observed that the applicability of the Rayleigh formula in the millimeter wave band depends upon the soil texture of the region.