A Novel Simple Semi-Empirical Model for the Effective Earth Radius Factor

This paper presents a dual cumulative probability distribution model for predicting the cumulative distribution of the probability that a particular value of the propagation k-factor will be exceeded. The distributions relate to so-called "dry" and "wet" (or "climatic") components. The model is based on meteorological radiosonde data observed over a period of some 11 years and published by other workers. The model is extended by a simple height regression analysis in order to predict the cumulative behavior of the k-factor at different ground level heights in the summer rainfall area of South Africa during different months. Comparisons are made between predicted and observed data. The model may have potential applications in other parts of the world where data on k-factor behavior are scarce