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Abstract
The paper discusses the vertical gradient of refractivity from the meteorological observations available at Poona near the ground and on the tower 33.5 m. The mean gradient of dry, wet and total refractivity have been computed for each hour for the different months from the data available for the years 1948–1961. The periods at which ducting conditions occur during the day and the factors contributing towards the same have been discussed. It is observed that the dry refractivity gradient due to the temperature inversion alone does not result in ducting conditions, but the wet refractivity gradient due to the onset of sea breeze causes the same. The total gradient due to the temperature inversion and the moisture gradient result in longer duration of ducting. An attempt has been made to estimate the approximate height up to which the ducting may extend from the available data. It is found to be of the order of about 250 m which seems to be reasonable when compared with the estimates made from other considerations. The present study is an important step forward pending collection of meteorological observations at different heights with tethered balloon to study the Radio Refractivity profile.