Preliminary Results of Surface Refractivity in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Knowledge of the temporal and spatial variations of surface refractivity Ns is important for good planning of terrestrial radio links over a region. Reduced-to-sea-level refractivity No removes elevation–dependence of Ns and enhances comparison and/or contouring of values for different stations. Earlier efforts in this regard in the Nigerian context could not explore diurnal trend due to lack of data. There is need to sustain the effort in the light of climate change and to establish the mean diurnal, seasonal and climatic trends in Nigeria. This paper highlights preliminary results of No obtained in Minna based in-situ measurements of the relevant atmospheric parameters between 2008 and 2009