Appraisal of tropospheric researches in Nigeria

Abstract

The knowledge of the past is a treasure for the present towards accurate and reliable plan and design that can lead to economic, scientific and technological advancement and self-reliance. This paper discusses the present status of tropospheric researches in Nigeria. It reports on rainfall rate, raindrop size distribution, conductivity, field strength, refractivity, water vapour density, rain height, intersystem interference and attenuation. Appraisals of the quality of the tropospheric researches reveal that measurements and evaluations works are of high standard and quality. However, measurements of atmospheric parameters in Nigeria are inadequate and discontinuous. Consequently, prediction models, based on the local data that will properly characterize the pattern and behaviour of transmitted signal, are grossly insufficient. Equipment for studies is in short supply; and most times, unavailable, thus inhibiting comprehensive research works. Areas requiring urgent attention toward rapid national growth and healthy competition in the 21st century are addressed.

Keywords: Rain intensity, attenuation, refractivity, conductivity, refractive index,

Nigerian Journal of Physics Vol. 18 (1) 2006: pp. 91-100