On some direct evidence for downward atmospheric reflection of electric rays

TLDR

Wireless transmission over the Earth’s surface faces two key problems: explaining long‑distance communication and the large, rapid variations in signal intensity and apparent propagation direction, especially at night and in winter, which the Kennelly‑Heaviside layer theory only partially accounts for and for which further evidence is required. The authors performed directional experiments using a large Hertzian oscillator and a rotating‑frame aerial to detect downward‑propagating waves that would indicate the presence of the Heaviside layer. The experiments revealed that the ground’s high conductivity made it act as a near‑perfect reflector, masking any downward waves and yielding negative results that cannot confirm or refute the Heaviside layer, a conclusion echoed in subsequent studies.

Abstract

In a recent paper in these Proceedings (Series A, vol. 107, p. 587) Smith-Rose and Barfield have called attention to the two outstanding problems of the propagation of wireless waves over the earth s surface. A complete theory of wireless transmission must explain ( a ), why long-distance communication is possible, and ( b ), why large and rapid variations of signal intensity and apparent direction of propagation of the waves are observed at night, and, to some extent, during daylight, particularly in winter. ), why long-distance communication is possible, and ( b ), why large and rapid variations of signal intensity and apparent direction of propagation of the waves are observed at night, and, to some extent, during daylight, particularly in winter. Smith-Rose and Barfield further point out that both phenomena can be explained to some extent by the well-known Kennelly-Heaviside layer theory, but that it is generally admitted that further evidence of the existence of the layer is needed. They also describe accurate experiments designed to detect the existence of waves arriving at a wireless receiver in a downward direction ( i . e ., inclined to the horizontal), such as must be present if the Heaviside layer theory is correct. In these experiments Smith-Rose and Barfield sought, by directional methods, to detect a departure of the electric field of the waves from the vertical by means of a large Hertzian oscillator, and a departure of the magnetic field from the horizontal by means of a rotating frame aerial. It was, however, found that the conductivity of the ground was sufficiently high to make it act very nearly as a perfect reflector, and, because of the presence of the reflected wave from the ground, none of the effects sought for could be detected even in conditions such as are normally associated with signal strength and directional variations. These authors therefore concluded that the results of their experiments could not be considered as evidence for or against the Heaviside layer theory. In a later paper, Smith-Rose and Barfield describe further experiments of this type, again with negative results, and state that “ adequate experimental evidence on the existence of the Heaviside layer is still lacking.”