Calculates the height of a radar beam as a function of elevation and range, assuming the beam is emitted at surface level.
beam_height(range, elev, k = 4/3, lat = 35, re = 6378, rp = 6357)numeric. Range (distance from the radar antenna) in km.
numeric. Elevation in degrees.
Standard refraction coefficient.
Geodetic latitude in degrees.
Earth equatorial radius in km.
Earth polar radius in km.
numeric. Beam height in km.
To account for refraction of the beam towards the earth's surface, an effective earth's radius of k * (true radius) is assumed, with k = 4/3.
The earth's radius is approximated as a point on a spheroid surface, with
re the longer equatorial radius, and rp the shorter polar
radius. Typically uncertainties in refraction coefficient are relatively
large, making oblateness of the earth and the dependence of earth radius with
latitude only a small correction. Using default values assumes an average
earth's radius of 6371 km.