LAUSR

In the last decade, published research has indicated the potential of commercial microwave links that comprise the data transmission infrastructure of cellular communication networks as an environmental monitoring technology. Different weather phenomena cause interference in the wireless communication links which can therefore essentially act as a low cost sensor network, already deployed worldwide, for atmospheric monitoring. In this study we focus on the attenuation effect caused in commercial microwave networks due to gradients in the atmospheric refractive index with altitude as a result of the combination of temperature inversions and falls in the atmospheric humidity trapped beneath them. These conditions, when combined with high relative humidity near ground level are precursors to the creation of fog. The current work utilizes this novel approach to demonstrate the potential for detecting these preconditions of fog, a phenomenon associated with severe visibility limitations which can lead to dangerous accidents, injuries and loss of lives.