On location studies of the vertical gradient in the lower 10-meter layer of the surface atmosphere

Abstract

The inhomogeneity of the atmosphere causes curvature (refraction) of the beam path of ultra-short radio waves. Under normal conditions, this trajectory curves towards the surface of the Earth, and its curvature is about one quarter of the curvature of the earth's surface. Under critical conditions, the appearance of the phenomenon of "superrefraction" is possible. A feature of ultra-short radio waves is the fact that meteorological conditions influence their propagation. Measurements of meteorological parameters at h1 = 2 and h2 = 10 meters were carried out using an atmospheric-soil measuring complex installed in the southwestern part of the Vitim Plateau. It has been established that in this layer the spread of refractivity gradient values is from –0.820 to +0.307 N-units. It was found that meteorological conditions favorable for the appearance of superrefraction are observed in the given area in the summer.