Impact of Tree Density on Short Range VHF Radio Wave Propagation in The Mangrove Swamp Forest

F.O. Agugo; S.A. Adeniran; O. Erinle

F.O. Agugo Nigerian Army School of Signals, Apapa, Lagos.
S.A. Adeniran Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife.
O. Erinle Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife.

Abstract

Propagation models are developed to suit particular applications and environments. Characterization of a forested radio channel for short range VHF/UHF communication with near ground antennas needs to consider all possible radio wave reflections - tree trunks, ground and tree canopy reflections - in addition to the foliage absorption effects of propagation through tree groves. In the mangrove forest where tree density is usually high, the capacity of tree elements for radio wave scattering at certain propagation parameters cannot be overlooked. This study used an integration of stochastic and empirical modelling to show that forest tree density is the most important parameter in path loss prediction in the mangrove at certain combat communication parameters.

Author Biographies

F.O. Agugo, Nigerian Army School of Signals, Apapa, Lagos.

Nigerian Army School of Signals,

Apapa, Lagos.

S.A. Adeniran, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife.

Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering,

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife.

O. Erinle, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife.

Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering,

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife.

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