New model for improving high-frequency radio communications, crucial during natural disasters

Source: The post is based on the article “New model for improving high-frequency radio communications, crucial during natural disasters” published in PIB on 16th June 2023

What is the News?

Scientists have developed a model for high frequency (HF) radio wave propagation through the ionosphere which helps in studying the impacts of space weather effects on the ionosphere and Sky wave communication systems.

What is Ionosphere?

The ionosphere is a region of Earth’s upper atmosphere ranging from about 100 – 1000 km and acts as a gateway for radio communication between the ground and space. 

Radio waves of certain frequencies (HF band) are reflected back to the ground by the ionosphere which facilitates long-distance HF communications beyond the horizon, known as Skywave communications. 

Despite the increasing use of satellite communications, traditional long-distance high-frequency (HF) radio communication remains a vital means of communication during situations like natural disasters, mid-ocean surveillance, over-the-horizon target detection, and so on.  

Severe ionospheric disturbances that arise due to a range of space weather events like Solar flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and Geomagnetic storms significantly affect Skywave communications.  

This variability of the ionosphere due to disturbances in space weather can significantly limit the usage of Skywave communications.

What have the scientists developed?

Scientists have developed a model for high frequency (HF) radio wave propagation through the ionosphere which helps in studying the impacts of space weather effects on the ionosphere and Sky wave communication systems.

The HF radio propagation model developed by scientists has important applications in planning the right strategies for the operation of Sky wave communication systems during active space weather periods.