What is a key characteristic of ground waves?

Ground waves are characterized by their ability to propagate along the Earth's surface. This propagation occurs due to the interaction of the radio waves with the ground, which allows them to follow the contour of the terrain. As a result, ground waves are particularly effective for communications over short to medium distances and can penetrate obstacles like hills or buildings to some extent.

Unlike higher-frequency signals, ground waves do not require line-of-sight transmission, allowing them to reach receivers that are not in a direct visual line from the transmitter. They also do not rely on the ability to travel directly to satellites, which is characteristic of other types of radio waves such as those used in satellite communication. Additionally, ground waves can propagate effectively both day and night, making them versatile for continuous communication regardless of the time of day.