Ultra-short-wave refraction and diffraction

The work of G. N. Watson on the propagation of electric waves over a spherical earth has been extended by the author to take account of the finite resistivity of the earth, the effect of which is of great importance in ultra-short-wave transmission. The work is in such a form that the field intensities above the earth can be computed numerically. The effect of refraction in the earth´s atmosphere can also be taken into account. The results for a range of wavelength between 2 and 10 m and for heights up to 4 000 m and distances up to 400 km, are published in the paper in a set of curves, the general properties of which are discussed. The effect of atmospheric refraction is considered, and a comparison between observation and theory is made, in which good agreement is obtained, on the average, when neglecting refraction. Major changes may, however, be produced occasionally by refraction.