Determination of the reflection coefficient of the sea, for radar-coverage calculation, by an optical analogy method

An approach to the solution of the problem of the effect of a rough sea surface on the vertical coverage of a radar set, by means of an optical analogy, is suggested. The reflection of light waves by a ground-glass surface is considered, and the results of optical experiments are applied to the case of radio waves reflected by the surface of the sea. The method does not yield a precise solution to the problem, but the result achieved does not conflict seriously with practical results which have been recorded up to the present. A typical coverage diagram derived by this method is given to show the effect on the coverage of the variation of sea-surface condition as indicated by the sea-state scale.