Effects of volcanic particles on satellite links at Ka, Q/V, V and W band

The atmospheric attenuation affects satellite links causing a signal degradation that increases with frequency. The presence of hydrometeors induces both attenuation and depolarization effects that are not negligible for frequencies above 10 GHz. Due to an increasing demand for high data rates, satellite communications work at Ka band and above. The impact of volcanic particles during explosive eruptions represents an additional source of signal degradation. This work describes the effects of finest volcanic ash particles in terms of attenuation and depolarization at Ka, Q/V, V and W band.