Ground Wave Propagation

GROUND WAVE PROPAGATION

If the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitter glide over the surface of the earth to reach the receiver, then the propagation is called ground wave propagation. The corresponding waves are called ground waves or surface waves. The pictorial representation is shown in Figure 10.5(a).

Both transmitting and receiving antennas must be close to the earth. The size of the antenna plays a major role in deciding the efficiency of the radiation of signals.

During transmission, the electrical signals are attenuated over a distance. Some reasons for attenuation are as follows:

• Increasing distance: The attenuation of the signal with distance depends on (i) power of the transmitter (ii) frequency of the transmitter and (iii) condition of the Earth surface.

• Absorption of energy by the Earth: When the transmitted signal in the form of EM wave is in contact with the Earth, it induces charges in the Earth and constitutes a current. Due to this, the Earth behaves like a leaky capacitor which leads to the attenuation of the wave.

• Tilting of the wave: As the wave progresses, the wavefront starts gradually tilting according to the curvature of the Earth. This increase in the tilt decreases the electric field strength of the wave. Finally at some distance, the surface wave dies out due to energy loss.

The frequency of the ground waves is mostly less than 2 MHz as high frequency waves undergo more absorption of energy at the earth’s atmosphere. The medium wave signals received during the day time use surface wave propagation.

It is mainly used in local broadcasting, radio navigation, for ship-to-ship, ship- to-shore communication and mobile communication.