Using Cell‐Phone Tower Signals for Detecting the Precursors of Fog

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 communicati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of geophysical research. Atmospheres 2018-01, Vol.123 (2), p.1325-1338
Main Authors: David, N., Gao, H. O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accidents
Atmospheric attenuation
Atmospheric monitoring
attenuation
Cellular communication
commercial microwave links
Communication
Communication networks
Data transmission
Environmental monitoring
Fog
Geophysics
Ground level
High humidity
Humidity
Injury prevention
Inversions
Microwave attenuation
Precursors
Refractive index
Refractivity
Relative humidity
Temperature inversion
Temperature inversions
Visibility
Wireless communications
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Summary: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 that 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 that can lead to dangerous accidents, injuries, and loss of lives. Key Points Cellular communication networks can be utilized as an atmospheric monitoring facility When combined with high relative humidity near ground level, temperature inversions are precursors to the creation of fog This study demonstrates the potential for detecting the precursors of fog using cellular communication networks
ISSN:2169-897X
2169-8996
DOI:10.1002/2017JD027360