When electromagnetic radiation, such as a radio wave, is reflected back from the surface of the Earth, several phenomena occur:
Reflection: The radio wave encounters the Earth's surface, which acts as a conducting medium. A portion of the wave's energy is reflected back into space, similar to how light reflects off a mirror. The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence, following the law of reflection.
Absorption: A fraction of the radio wave's energy is absorbed by the Earth's surface. The absorption depends on factors such as the composition of the surface and the frequency of the radio wave. Different surfaces have varying absorption characteristics.
Scattering: Some of the radio wave's energy is scattered in different directions upon interaction with the Earth's surface. This scattering occurs due to irregularities in the surface, such as variations in terrain or objects present. The scattered wave can propagate in different directions from the original path.
Ground Wave Propagation: The portion of the radio wave that is not reflected or absorbed can continue to propagate along the Earth's surface. This is known as ground wave propagation. The ground wave travels as a surface wave and can follow the curvature of the Earth, allowing radio signals to propagate over long distances at lower frequencies.
It's important to note that the behavior of reflected radio waves can also depend on other factors such as the frequency of the wave, the height of the transmitting and receiving antennas, and the presence of obstacles or atmospheric conditions. These factors can influence the strength and quality of the reflected signal.