Ionosphere Layers
The study of Sky Wave Propagation is an understanding of how RF is reflected by the various layers in the ionosphere. The Earth's ionosphere is part of the atmosphere around the planet. The ionosphere includes the thermosphere and parts of the mesosphere and exosphere. The ionosphere is a shell of electrons and electrically charged atoms and molecules around our planet that is ionized by solar radiation and influences radio propagation to distant places.
Ionosphere Layers
Scientists have divided the ionosphere into layers, with each layer having specific behavioral characteristics dependent on solar radiation.
There are three main regions within the ionosphere
- D Region - Causes attenuation of RF signals, low frequencies are attenuated more than higher ones.
- E Region - HF radio signals are reflected here back towards the Earth
- F Region - Also reflects HF signals
Technically, the signals are not "reflected" as in a bounce, but they are bent around so that they return to the earth. So it is a "bend" rather than a "bounce."
