Wave Propagation In A Turbulent Medium | V. I. Tatarski

This mathematical monograph, translated by R. A. Silverman, formerly of New York University’s Institute of Mathematical Sciences* describes the phenomena associated with the propagation of electromagnetic and acoustic waves through atmospheric turbulence. It approaches the subject from both the theoretical and experimental sides, placing special emphasis on recent Russian contributions—just those contribu­ tions which are the least accessible in English. Applications to phase and amplitude fluctuations, the scintillation of stars, radio scattering, and other problems are stressed.

Part I covers some topics from the theory of random fields and turbu­ lence theory, including statistical description. Part II, on the scattering of waves in the turbulent atmosphere, is supplemented with an appendix

(scattering of acoustic radiation) by R. H. Kraichnan of New York University. Part III is a detailed presentation of line-of-sight propaga­ tion of acoustic and electromagnetic waves through a turbulent medium. And Part IV is a comparison of theory with experimental data in­ cluding the author’s own important work with terrestrial light sources, multiple observations, etc.

Because of its incorporation of the results of research not easily available in English, this book is invaluable to specialists in radiophysics and atmospheric acoustics and optics. Additional notations by the translator, 103 bibliographical references, and 45 figures are all helpful extras.