ANOMALOUS PROPAGATION Meaning and
Definition
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Anomalous propagation, also known as abnormal or non-standard propagation, is a term used in the field of meteorology and radio communication to describe the phenomenon where radio signals do not propagate in the usual or expected manner. It occurs when atmospheric conditions deviate from the norm, causing radio waves to travel in unpredictable paths or undergo unusual behavior, which can significantly affect radio communication systems.
During anomalous propagation, radio signals can be affected by a range of atmospheric factors, such as temperature inversions, ducting, refraction, scattering, or diffraction. These abnormal atmospheric conditions can cause radio waves to bend, refract, or reflect more than under normal circumstances. As a result, radio signals can experience long-range distances, excessive attenuation, or distortion.
Anomalous propagation can have both positive and negative effects on radio communication. On one hand, it can enhance the range of signals, allowing for longer transmission distances known as sporadic-E or tropospheric propagation. On the other hand, it can also hinder communication by causing excessive signal losses, interference, or multipath propagation, where signals take multiple paths and arrive at the receiver at different times, leading to distortion.
Understanding and predicting anomalous propagation is crucial for various sectors, particularly in radio broadcasting, aviation, marine communication, and wireless networks. Weather forecasters, radio operators, and communication engineers closely monitor atmospheric conditions to anticipate and mitigate the impact of anomalous propagation on radio communication systems for optimal signal reception and transmission efficiency.
Etymology of ANOMALOUS PROPAGATION
The word "anomalous" is derived from the Greek word "anomalos", which means "irregular" or "deviating from the norm". It combines the prefix "a-", meaning "not", and "homalos", meaning "even" or "straight".
The word "propagation" has Latin roots, originating from the verb "propagare", which means "to propagate" or "to spread".
Therefore, "anomalous propagation" refers to the abnormal or irregular spreading or propagation of something, often used in the context of radars and meteorology to describe abnormal or misleading radar echoes caused by atmospheric conditions.
