Some Effects Of Geologic Structure On Radio Reception

Abstract

Radio fields at standard broadcast frequencies were examined over faults to determine how the geologic conditions affected the fields. The fields in rugged and densely inhabited areas were found to be too irregular to yield understandable patterns. Very small variations in the directions of the fields were suggested but not proven over the San Jacinto fault. No variations in intensity were found over the San Andreas fault, but variations were observed at some places over the Piedmont fault in New Jersey. Such variations might be due to higher conductivity of the fault zone, or to the addition of waves reflected and refracted at the fault surface. Weak areas near San Bernardino were noted, but could not be correlated with faults. It seems improbable that surveys using standard broadcast signals will be of much value in studying radio weak spots, although other approaches may be more revealing.