Modeling and Simulation of Dust-Induced Cross-Polarization Based on Differential Phase Shift in Terrestrial and Earth–Satellite Links

Abstract

This paper presents analytical models for estimating cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) in dust-laden propagation environments over Libya. Two models are formulated based on differential phase shift (DPS): a terrestrial model for ground-based links and a satellite model for slant-path Earth–satellite links. The models incorporate key propagation parameters, including operating frequency, visibility, link distance, elevation angle, and dust storm height. The results show that XPD decreases with increasing frequency and dust concentration, while improving significantly with higher visibility. Under severe dust conditions (V ≈ 0.01 Km), XPD falls below 15 dB, indicating strong depolarization, whereas values exceeding 30 dB are obtained under clearer atmospheric conditions. These findings provide practical engineering insights into link performance degradation in Libyan environments. The developed models provide a physically consistent and region-specific framework for the design and optimization of reliable terrestrial and Earth–satellite communication systems operating under dust-laden propagation environments