Radio waves must necessarily travel through the lower atmosphere for any ground or space link where at least one end is near the ground. Consequently, the influence of the lower atmosphere on wave propagation act on the whole radio spectrum and the influence becomes much greater above 30 MHz. Optical propagation is also affected by the lower atmosphere. Though all the possible physical phenomena which can influence wave propagation are clearly identified, difficulties occur when predicting the effects of these phenomena, mainly due to insufficient knowledge of radio and optical meteorological parameters. Therefore, the objectives of this symposium were: (a) To discuss the present knowledge of the meteorological and radiometeorological parameters which may have an influence on terrestrial or earth-space radio links, (b) To discuss the various models and the various methods of predicting the effects of these parameters on radio wave propagation, (c) To discuss the effects of turbulence and particle scattering on optical propagation, and (d) To investigate possible methods to overcome the perturbations due to these propagation effects. (Author).

Wave Propagation and Scattering in Random Media, Volume 1: Single Scattering and Transport Theory presents the fundamental formulations of wave propagation and scattering in random media in a unified and systematic manner, as well as useful approximation techniques applicable to a variety of different situations. The emphasis is on single scattering theory and transport theory. The reader is introduced to the fundamental concepts and useful results of the statistical wave propagation theory. This volume is comprised of 13 chapters, organized around three themes: waves in random scatterers, waves in random continua, and rough surface scattering. The first part deals with the scattering and propagation of waves in a tenuous distribution of scatterers, using the single scattering theory and its slight extension to explain the fundamentals of wave fluctuations in random media without undue mathematical complexities. Many practical problems of wave propagation and scattering in the atmosphere, oceans, and other random media are discussed. The second part examines transport theory, also known as the theory of radiative transfer, and includes chapters on wave propagation in random particles, isotropic scattering, and the plane-parallel problem. This monograph is intended for engineers and scientists interested in optical, acoustic, and microwave propagation and scattering in atmospheres, oceans, and biological media.