KNOW MORE ABOUT GROUND PROPAGATION

Ground wave propagation is considered as a reliable way of propagating radio waves, therefore also known as radio wave propagation. The concept of ground wave closely follows the earth’s contour and is capable of propagating considerable distances. In the context of ground wave propagation, there is a particular range of operational frequency that typically ranges between kHz and up to 2 MHz. The concept is mainly used to transmit between the earth’s surface and the ionosphere. Primarily, ground wave propagation is essential for the LF and MF portion of the radio spectrum. 

Key concept of Ground Wave Propagation

Ground wave propagation is an innovative method of propagating radio waves that is primarily used to transmit between the earth’s surface and the ionosphere. The framework of ground waves is ornamented with few constituent waves. It also considers low frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrums to function properly. The set of these radiation along the earth’s surface is considered as the ground wave propagation that is mainly used for radio broadcasting and communicating between two different locations. However, the potency of these particular radiations may drop with a change in distance because of their absorption by surface. Therefore, it is taken as a reliable method of radio wave propagation used in the distinctive zone between the earth’s surface and the ionosphere for transmitting it. 

Advantages of Ground Wave Propagation

In the first place, ground waves remain unaffected by the transformation in atmospheric conditions. The concept is largely adapted to communicate between two particular locations while providing enough power to them. Additionally, this type of waves is vertically polarized, thereby capable of preventing short circuits and other hazards of the electric field elements. 

Disadvantages of Ground Wave Propagation

Ground wave propagation is restricted to very low frequency signals. Therefore, it requires a large antenna and other infrastructure to retain power with composition and surface material. On the other hand, it is quite difficult to transmit high-frequency waves, as the loss of energy is more intense here due to the energy absorption cycle in the atmosphere. Additionally, ground waves are only capable of covering short ranges, thereby engaging wave attenuation to interact with the eddy currents generated by earth’s surface. 

Applications of Ground Wave Propagation

The concept of ground wave propagation is mainly utilized in one-way communications. For instance, it is used from military bases to submarines for penetrating into a particular depth under the ocean. It is also used for target detection and other military purposes. On the other hand, ground waves are immensely used for television and radio broadcasting including AM and FM. additionally, it is used for transmitting radio signals and other similar applications that require a particular distance of operation in terms of local range. 

Impact of frequency on ground wave propagation

It has been identified that the wave fronts of ground waves are capable of traveling along the Earth’s surface, therefore it is attenuated. The level of attenuation relies upon different factors associated with the primary concept of ground wave propagation. Radio signal frequency is one of the key determining factors as ground waves lose rise with the increment of radio frequency. Therefore, it makes this particular form of propagation impracticable, particularly beyond the bottom end of the ‘HF portion of the spectrum’. Generally, a signal at 3.0 MHz may face attenuation if it is positioned in the demesne of 20 to 60 dB. Therefore, it has been seen that a high power radio broadcasting station may be audible only within a few miles from the transmitting zone via the ground wave. 

Ground Wave Propagation and Polarization

Polarization and the type of antenna impacts severely on the concept of ground wave propagation. In this regard, vertical polarization is considered as the subject of minimum attenuation while compared to the horizontally polarized signals. It has been identified in terms of several cases that the difference can be aggregated to some tens of decibels. Therefore, vertical antennas have been used by several medium wave broadcast stations, even though they have to be constructed physically short by including inductive loading. However, at distances which are generally towards the boundary of the coverage area of ground waves, presence of some sky-wave signals can also be found. The presence is seen more intensely during night when the attenuation of D-layer is minimized. This particular aspect may serve as a major element of reinforcing or canceling the overall signal, thereby resulting in certain f figures quite different from those that are expected.

Conclusion

Ground wave propagation is a considerable way of radio wave propagation. It is mainly used to deliver radio communications coverage locally, particularly by radio broadcast stations required to cover a specific locality. The use of ground wave propagation is intense among local radio broadcasters to provide radio communication coverage locally. On the contrary, ground wave propagation is restricted to very low frequency signals, thereby generating several limitations to its end-users.