Groundwave propagation in a nonhomogeneous atmosphere: Prediction using 3D parabolic equation

The analysis of groundwave propagation over long distances in an atmosphere with non-homogeneous electromagnetic properties is conducted by using a three-dimensional parabolic equation method (3D-PE) based approach. The inhomogeneities in the atmosphere imply the formation of ducts which result in modifying the propagation direction and range of the waves. The signal is excited by a vertical line source, and the waves are marched in range by using the Fourier split-step algorithm. Multiple tests are conducted in which different types of ducts are considered in order to analyze and validate the results obtained by the 3D algorithm. These results are compared to those obtained from two-dimensional parabolic equation based algorithm (2D-PE).