NavList:

Frank, in this post of yours you talk about the irregularity of wave tops, and the existence of swell.  In http://fer3.com/arc/m2.aspx/Horizon-noise-near-Cleveland-FrankReed-feb-2018-g41360 you talk about choppiness in the horizon due to unpredictable refraction.

I would appreciate you musing a bit more on what we see when we look at an ocean horizon.

I had in the past seen an irregular horizon and assumed it was waves.  The idea that it might be due to irregular refraction (presumably there are parcels of air that have different temperature and humidity between me and the horizon, all bending light slightly different) was an eye-opener for me.

This has made me wonder about the usefulness of Pub. 229 compared to Pub. 249.  Sure, 229 promises tenth-of-a-minute accuracy, but is this a deceptive promise, in light of irregular refraction right at the horizon?  That is, does Pub. 229 promise more than it could ever deliver?

Thanks.

Bob