What is one characteristic of ground waves?

Ground waves are a type of electromagnetic wave that propagate along the surface of the Earth. One of their defining characteristics is that they follow the curvature of the Earth, allowing them to utilize the surface for transmission. This means they can effectively traverse along the ground, making them suitable for communication over relatively short distances, especially in lower frequency ranges.

Ground waves are affected by various factors including terrain and the conductivity of the Earth’s surface, which can influence the distance they can travel and their effectiveness. In contrast, options that suggest they can travel beyond the horizon or are not affected by terrain misunderstand the fundamental nature of groundwave propagation. The correct choice highlights the mechanism of ground wave behavior in relation to the Earth’s surface.