Comparison of Experiments on Duct Propagation Above the Sea With the Mode Theory of Booker and Walkinshaw

Abstract

Experiments on tropospheric duct propagation above the sea are discussed, especially in comparison with the mode theory of Booker and Walkinshaw. While the salient features.of ducting processes are well described by this theory, we find no quantitative agreement between the observed and the theoretically predicted field-strength values. The main reason for this may be additional energy scatter in the maritime sublayer and at the irregularities of the upper and the lower boundary of the evaporation duct, which are not covered by theory.