Observe atmospheric changes over water
Repeat the same long-distance target record at several camera heights and times, pairing visibility changes with atmospheric measurements.
What you need
- Fixed target and measured heights
- Several thermometers or a documented profile
- Tripod, clock, weather and water-level record
Collect the readings
- Choose a target with identifiable vertical levels and a measured distance. Establish one height datum for camera and target; record changing water level.
- Collect temperature readings at several heights without changing the target geometry. Include pressure and humidity if available. A point measurement beside the camera is not the entire path’s profile.
- Photograph at fixed heights and settings as conditions change. Keep inverted or stretched image features in the record instead of reducing every frame to one apparent target height.
- Compare straight and constant-gradient scenarios, then enter a two-layer profile. State the profile you entered before comparing its ray with a frame. Repeat when the vertical gradient changes.
Compare the predictions
A layered index profile can alter ray curvature with height.
A smooth effective-radius correction does not represent every mirage.
Surface contact for one launched ray differs from finding all rays that connect camera and target.
Open the related calculation →