Which system is most likely to be affected by atmospheric disturbances?

The MF/HF radiotelephony system is affected by atmospheric disturbances because it relies on the propagation of radio waves over long distances, which can be significantly influenced by atmospheric conditions. These disturbances include phenomena such as ionospheric changes, solar flares, and other space weather events that can cause fluctuations in the ionosphere, affecting the ability of radio waves to refract and propagate.

As a result, the performance of MF (Medium Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) communications can vary dramatically in response to these atmospheric conditions, leading to issues such as fading, increased noise levels, and loss of signal clarity. Such variability can hinder effective communication, particularly for long-distance transmissions that are typical of maritime operations.

In contrast, systems like VHF DSC primarily operate over relatively short distances and are less impacted by atmospheric disturbances, as their frequencies are not typically as susceptible to ionospheric effects. Similarly, Inmarsat and SafetyNETTM are satellite-based systems that are designed to operate independently of atmospheric conditions affecting traditional radio communications. These systems rely on satellite constellations, which means their performance is not as affected by terrestrial atmospheric phenomena.