Skywaves

The skywave refers to the signal that travels away from the Earths surface towards the ionosphere. Unlike a ground
wave it does not follow the contour of the ground, but instead it is directed towards the ionosphere.

The angle between the line of the skywave signal and the Earths surface at that point may be shallow or steep.

Skywaves travel towards the ionosphere

Skip distance
The skip distance is the distance over the Earth's surface between the point where a radio signal is transmitted, and
the point where it is received having travelled to the ionosphere, and been refracted back by the ionosphere.

Skip distance
The skip distance is dependent upon a variety of factors:

Frequency: The frequency of operation has a major influence on the skip distance that can be achieved.
Typically as the frequency increases a lower angle of radiation is needed to return the signals to Earth in a shorter
distance. Also higher frequencies tend to be reflected or refracted by higher layers or regions in the ionosphere.
This will mean that higher frequencies tend to lead to longer skip distances.
Ionospheric conditions: The ionospheric conditions play a major role in governing the skip distance.
Under some circumstances when ionisation levels are high it may be possible for signals to achieve very short
skip distances.
Angle of radiation: The angle of radiation from the transmitting antenna will also have an impact on the
skip distance. A lower angle of radiation will lead to longer skip distances as a result of the geometry.
 Skip zone
The skip zone, which may also be called a silent zone or dead zone, is a region where a radio transmission can not
be received. The skip zone is the region between the point where the ground wave signals can no longer be heard
and the point where the skywave first returns to Earth.

Skip Zone or Dead Zone

The skip zone or dead zone depends upon a variety of factors:

Ground wave coverage: The local coverage around the transmitter is governed by the ground wave. The
extent of the coverage and the start of the skip zone will be dependent upon the frequency used. The ground
wave coverage will be greater for lower frequencies. At MF it may extend as far as 100 miles or so, but for higher
frequencies, e.g. 10MHz and above it may only extend for a mile or two.
Skywave minimum skip distance: The minimum skip distance is influenced by a number of factors
including the frequency of operation; the state of the ionosphere and the angle of radiation.
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